OREANDA-NEWS. October 30, 2008.  By 2010, some Br128 billion will be assigned to help the companies from the Chernobyl-affected regions of the Gomel and Mogilev oblasts to redeploy into other areas of activity. The decision was passed at an on-site session of the Chernobyl department of the Belarusian Emergencies Ministry which was held in Gomel.

The session analyzed the implementation of the programmes on redeployment of agricultural companies in those regions. Since 2002 the state has allocated Br101 billion for these purposes. In line with the programme, some 1313 farm machines including 38 combine harvesters and 149 tractors were supplied to the regions. The investments and progressive technologies allowed the agricultural companies from the affected regions to improve the quality of agricultural products and economic performance. For instance, agricultural companies of the Mogilev oblast increased the average profitability from 16.9% in 2005 to 27.7% in 2007. The manufacturing cost of the gross product was by 44%.

In line with the decision passed at the session, the local authorities have been recommended to provide assistance in addressing the tasks foreseen by the redeployment programmes, and the Institute of Radiology – to monitor the implementation of these programmes.