Lukashenko about McDonald's shut-down: Can't we cut a bun in half? Eat Belarusian food and domestic products

Today, the President said a lot of warm words about the records in the fields and new export heights, the importance of the moment and the invaluable work of the agro-industrial complex workers.

Alexander Lukashenko has honored the best employees of the national agro-industrial complex on the eve of their professional holiday. The celebrations took place in the Palace of Independence. This is a tribute to those who toil on the ground and ensure our food security. The head of state said simply: "They are the masters of the Belarusian land. We owe a lot to them for our well-being!" The President thanked everyone for their Herculean labor and made a pointed reference to this year's record-breaking harvest. It is all the more important this year, when grain has become the new gold. But the outstanding result is not a reason to stop there.

For the first time in history we have produced more than a ton of grain per person.

"This is a success, which, I am sure, even the most advanced countries on our planet have not achieved," said the President.

However, the Belarusian leader is convinced that one shouldn't stop at what has been achieved. After all, nothing extraordinary has been done to achieve such high results in agriculture. It took only a strict discipline and some people were even offended by the pressure of the President, but we got the result. "We took that step. And we should, must, keep it at this level," he summed up.

This year is a special food year, the head of state said. The world is on the verge of a global catastrophe. But not Belarus! Fixation on the development of agriculture, made in the early years of independence, today allows us to stand firmly on our feet. We are able to feed ourselves! And, unlike some people, we do not need the imported products badly.

President: Belarusian producers should replace "McDonald's

"I always urge you: eat your own food, do not fall on something foreign. It is true that today some people, especially young (and probably middle-aged and older), have started going overboard: "Ah, McDonald's is leaving. I think: thank God, that at least it's leaving! But the place of "McDonalds," where our people and our experts work, where our goods are consumed, must be taken by the Belarusians," said Alexander Lukashenko.

"We ourselves should do what this McDonald's once did, if someone needs it, and even better. Can't we cut a bun in half and put a piece of meat, potatoes and salad in those two halves? Lord, I don't know who still consumes this."

Alexander Lukashenko proudly spoke about the achievements of our agro-industrial complex. We have something to offer to the world! Products under the "Made in Belarus" brand are known in 110 countries. That is the geography of supplies. And revenues from export grow every year. By the end of this year, the country expects to earn more than $8 billion. But this is not the limit. "Today is the best time for the agro-industrial complex, the President is convinced. And it shouldn't be missed.

"Probably only a lazy person today would not agree with me that the so-called sanctions are the time of great opportunities for us. I promise you: you will not have such a time again. Cherish every ruble, put it where it's needed. Get even greater returns in agricultural production," urged the Belarusian leader.

"We have a huge market. It is most important when there is a market where you can sell your products. And moreover, it is an extremely marginal market. The prices on agricultural products have never been like that before. Take advantage of this time. Ministers, members of the government, the prime minister, top officials, and myself included, will not let you drowse. We must use this time to raise our peasants so that they could live with dignity, in good conditions, in good houses. So that their children had an opportunity to receive good education and graduate from universities, like everyone else in Minsk and other cities. So that they took the rightful place in our society as its sound stewards. Agree, peasants, workers of the agro-industrial complex deserve it. Let us do everything for the sake of our children. I wish you health and success!"