Vasily Liavonau: Authorities provide policy of agro-economic stupidity

Only freedom rather than state control or aid can save the agricultural sector, a former minister thinks.

The catastrophic state of Belarusian peasants has more serious consequences than a crisis in any industrial sector, Radio Racyja quotes former agricultural minister Vasily Liavonau.

The ex-agricultural minister thinks agriculture is more than an economic sector. It is a way of living with its social and psychological features.

“It is the agro-economic stupidity. It cannot be fixed. It is the result of the general policy. It is a more difficult problem than closing engineering plants. The authorities need to change their policy. If they cannot offer anything else, let them give freedom. It will be enough,” Vasily Liavonau thinks.

He doesn't agree with the opinion that the Belarusian countryside has died, fell victim of alcohol and is unable to revive.

“Don't interfere, and the countryside will revive,” the former minister thinks.