Belarus committed to assisting Equatorial Guinea with development of agriculture

Belarus is committed to assist Equatorial Guinea with development of a modern agricultural sector, Belarusian Agriculture and Food Minister Sergei Bartosh told journalists in Malabo, BelTA has learned. Equatorial Guinea currently imports almost all of the food consumed in the country, with the exception of a few items traditionally grown in the country. The current situation in the world, including lockdowns during the recent pandemic, the subsequent disruption of supply chains, requires measures at the national level to ensure food security.

That task is also important in view of Equatorial Guinea's aspirations to achieve economic independence. Belarus is ready to offer comprehensive solutions to create a modern agricultural sector in the country. Sergei Bartosh said that some time ago Belarusian specialists had already begun to study the soils in Equatorial Guinea both on the islands and on the mainland of the country.

This is necessary to determine the composition of soils and, based on this data, select the optimal set of crops for cultivation and the required mineral fertilizers. «We agreed to set up a laboratory here in the first half of next year and teach their specialists the technology of determining the soil composition,» the minister said. The results so far are very encouraging.

The humus content in the samples selected by Belarusian specialists shows that even the worst soils in Equatorial Guinea correspond to the best in Belarus. Only minerals are lacking for the full-fledged cultivation of crops. In this regard, Belarus can be of help and can supply the necessary fertilizers.