Lukashenko highlights health benefits of rapeseed oil
Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko emphasized the health benefits of rapeseed oil and recommended increasing its consumption during a working trip to Smolevichi District on 8 August, BelTA has learned.
The focus of the president’s visit was winter rapeseed, but the discussion also turned to rapeseed oil. Deputy Prime Minister Yuri Shuleiko reported that consumption of this product in Belarus has increased by 20% over two years. “Well, that's good. It is a very good thing. If you want to stay healthy, you should use this oil,” Aleksandr Lukashenko advised. “This oil is very healthy. Actually, I'm a strong believer in eating what grows in your own land.”
During his working visit, the head of state held detailed discussions with agricultural specialists about winter rapeseed cultivation. The conversation covered seed supply, cultivation techniques, planting schedules, and harvesting timelines. Specialists reported particularly challenging weather conditions for winter rapeseed this season. Despite these difficulties, forecasts indicate the total rapeseed harvest should reach at least one million tonnes. However, the oilseed yield is expected to be slightly lower. This compares to last year's production of exactly one million tonnes of rapeseed oilseeds.
The president was shown a range of rapeseed oils produced in Belarus. In a notable gesture, Aleksandr Lukashenko gave a bottle of the oil to Minsk Oblast Governor Aleksei Kushnarenko. The occasion was particularly special as Aleksei Kushnarenko turned 50 on 8 August. Upon arrival at the field, the head of state presented the governor with a gift brought from his recent trip to Valaam - an icon of St. George the Victorious.
The president offered rapeseed oil to journalists during the visit, as experts confirmed the product's nutritional value. Yadviga Pilyuk, Head of the Oilseed Crops Department at the Scientific and Practical Center for Arable Farming of Belarus' National Academy of Sciences, told reporters that rapeseed oil has gained particular popularity among older generations due to its health benefits. “Scientific studies confirm rapeseed oil improves vision, slows aging, helps prevent dementia, and positively impacts the nervous system,” she said.
“This oil has long been recognized as a dietary product. During my visits to Germany, England and the Czech Republic, I observed rapeseed oil often priced higher than sunflower oil,” Yadviga Pilyuk said.
