MINSK, 23 March (BelTA) - Head of the National Center for Hydrometeorology, Radioactive Pollution Control, and Environmental Monitoring (Belhydromet) Sergei Khilman discussed the long-term nature of the trend toward growing southern crops in Belarus in an interview
with BelTA.
“Since 1989, Belarus has experienced the longest period of warming in the entire history of instrumental air temperature observations. Climate warming has led to a noticeable shift in previously defined agro-climatic zones, which together has changed the usual growing conditions and crop formation in agriculture. The country is implementing specific measures to adapt agriculture to climate change, and a corresponding program has been developed. The structure of sown areas is being improved, and the range of cultivated crops has changed significantly: sown areas for grain corn and winter barley have expanded considerably, soybean cultivation is underway, and the areas under sunflower, vegetable peas, sweet corn, and asparagus beans are increasing. Growing crops that are not traditional for Belarus, such as watermelons, is drawing increasing interest. Industrial vineyards are also being established,” Sergei Khilman said.
According to the Belhydromet head, moving forward it is advisable to increase the share of heat-loving and drought-resistant crops (climate change is accompanied by a noticeable increase in aridity, especially in the southern region of the country), and horticulture development holds promise. “Despite the overall warming of the climate in Belarus, the country’s territory remains a zone of fairly risky agriculture, so traditional crops for our country remain a priority for now. No matter how warm the early spring months may be, frosts occur almost every year in May. When making plans for ‘southern’ farming, we must not forget that our soils are not as fertile as those in neighboring countries, and growing new crops using complex technologies and advanced chemicals may prove unjustifiably expensive,” he emphasized.