Belarus plans to increase milk production to 10.5 million tons by 2030, announced Natalya Sonich, head of the main department of livestock intensification and fishery management at the Ministry of Agriculture, at the V International Industry Forum "Dairy Farm" at the Minsk International Exhibition Centre.

The growth compared to 2025 levels will be 114%. "Last year, the republic produced almost 9.2 million tons of milk. The goal for 2030 is to produce 10.5 million tons across all categories of farms, and for 2035 — 11.5 million tons of milk," said Natalya Sonich, adding that achieving these targets is planned primarily through improving efficiency, working with feed resources, personnel, implementing advanced technologies, and breeding.

The head of state has set the task of transitioning the entire dairy herd to modern housing conditions. According to data as of January 1, the country had 1,703 modern dairy complexes (MTK) that produce over 80% of milk and house over 77% of the dairy herd. New facilities will be built and existing ones reconstructed — about 80 just this year. A corresponding list for next year is being developed. The emphasis is on automating processes, which significantly eases the work of rural residents.

In addition to MTKs, construction of 520 preventoriums for calves is planned. By the beginning of winter, all young cattle must be transferred to such facilities where animals will receive proper care and feeding. They will be equipped with milk kitchens and automatic washing systems.

"The regions have taken on increased obligations and will build preventoriums for 96,700 cattle places. Named lists have been compiled, and the issue of financing and support in design and construction is being considered," said Natalya Sonich.

The V International Industry Forum "Dairy Farm" started on February 25. For the first time, it is being held in a two-day format. The theme is "Milk Economy: Playing for Higher Stakes." Over 750 delegates from all regions of Belarus and more than 40 authoritative experts are participating in the event. Presentations are organized in the format of live dialogue, discussions, and exchange of opinions. The focus is on current topics such as effective dairy farm management, digitalization, herd preservation, reproduction, and feed production.

The platform brought together industry leaders, respected experts from Belarus and Russia, farm managers, chief specialists (zootechnicians, veterinarians, breeders), deputy heads of agriculture at dairy plants, equipment, technology and solution providers, and others.

The forum featured an exhibition of innovations. A separate focal point was the photo project "Dynasties: A Village Legacy" — about families for whom working in rural areas has become a multi-generational endeavor. The project explores continuity, responsibility, and the choice to remain in the profession despite changing times and conditions.