The new berry harvester designed by the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus is intended for harvesting currant, raspberry, black chokeberry, and other varieties, Sergei Yakovchik, the director general of the research and practical center for agriculture mechanization at the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, reported.
Currently, the berries are harvested in Belarus with the help of Polish and Italian made equipment. The new Belarusian harvester will help local farmers replace costly imported equipment.
“Belarus has completed the vegetable and horticulture development program. The number of perennial orchards and berry fields has increased significantly. Thus, there was a need for a harvester. The new harvester is currently undergoing testing. After its completion, we are planning to start the production of the berry harvester at our research center,” Sergei Yakovchik said.
The research and practical center for agriculture mechanization designs technological systems, farm machines and equipment for mechanization of fruit and vegetable growing. Among its developments are carrot and cabbage harvesters, wood chippers to grind tree branches. In the Year of Science the research and practical center for agriculture mechanization plans to implement 35 assignments under the state science and technology programs. (BelTA/Business World Magazine)