Lukashenko emphasizes importance of preserving Belarusian villages
VITEBSK, 24 October (BelTA) – It is important to preserve and develop villages and production, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko said at a meeting to discuss sustainable development of Vitebsk Oblast on 24 October, BelTA has learned.
“You have probably noticed, and not only you but also our enemies and opponents, that I have been spending a lot of time in the countryside lately. If anyone thinks this is connected with production, the agro-industrial complex, our collective, state-owned or private farms, they are only partly correct. Agricultural production does not concern me as much as it used to in the mid-1990s,” the head of state said. “The main reason why I am constantly out in the fields and on farms is because, as before, my goal (and I very much hope yours as well) is to preserve villages. Without them, there will be no state. We will be doomed.” 
Speaking about the problems in the agro-industrial complex of Vitebsk Oblast, Aleksandr Lukashenko frankly said that the country could live without the region’s contribution to this industry and would hardly notice its absence: “We produce twice as much agricultural output as the country needs.”
The president noted that the current situation is very different from that of the mid-1990s. Back then, there was uncertainty about how to employ people, while today there is a lack of labor resources, especially in rural areas.
“Despite this, gritting our teeth, we managed to feed and clothe the people,” the Belarusian leader emphasized. 
