Belarus is going to increase the area of intensive orchards, - the deputy head of Fruit and Vegetable Production Department of Ministry of Agriculture Tatyana Gumenyuk has informed.

At the moment the republic has 104 500 ha of fruit plantations, among them 13000 ha are gardens of intensive type that we plan to focus on, - said the expert. One of the advantages of this type of gardens is a high yield. For example, an average yield of apples in Belarus today is 3400 kg / ha, in the gardens of intensive type - from 5000 to 6000 kg / ha.

In the next two years the area of the gardens is to grow by 2100 ha: 1300 ha will be planted this year, and 800 ha - in 2015. Along with apples, pear and cherry orchards have been set out (300 ha and 120 ha respectively).

Besides, some unconventional fruit crops have been planted, e.g. blueberry plantation area of 400 hectares, black chokeberry (aronia) - 160 ha, jumbo cranberry - 100 ha. Also the number of vines has been increased.

As to the harvest, the production of fruit and berries in Belarus is expected to reach 105 600 tonnes this year, which is 1.5% more than in 2013.

The republic is currently harvesting early ripening fruit. As of August 8th the harvest totals 1714 tonnes, including 709 tonnes of top fruit and 1005 tonnes of soft berries.

Source - http://www.freshplaza.com/