The head of state noted that Belarus is developing anchor rural settlements, namely agrotowns and larger villages. Roads are being repaired and new ones built, while standards for rural trade services are continually being raised.

The president is confident that in the future, agrotowns and larger villages (the former centers of collective and state farms) will remain and continue to develop. For trade purposes, it is convenient that they are mostly located near major highways. Smaller hamlets, however, may disappear or be reborn in a new format. 

One such format is izbing, a fashionable trend that has already caught on in Belarus, though for now mostly with Russians. Yet Aleksandr Lukashenko has long been urging Belarusians living in cities to acquire vacant houses and plots in small settlements away from the urban hustle and bustle, where they can work the land, walk barefoot, and raise children in a healthy, physically active environment. «There are plenty of vacant spots,» he noted.

«It turns out the Russians heard what the Batka said; they are buying up these plots. Especially since Belarus has a well-developed network of railways and roads; everything is in place. They are buying up vacant cottages, renovating them, fixing them up, and tearing some down,» the president said. «But Belarusians aren’t listening to me.»

«Mark my words, Belarusians: when the time comes, it will be too late for regrets,» the head of state warned.