Minister of Agriculture of the republic: More than 20 billion roubles are required for spring field work

On January 26, speaking at a regional video-conference held by Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov with participation of all regional municipalities, Minister of Agriculture of the republic Marat Akhmetov reported on the next spring field campaign.

According to Akhmetov, this year's sowing campaign will be problematic in terms of providing financial resources. "More than 20 billion roubles are required for spring field work, or 7,000 roubles per one hectare,” he said.

He drew the attention of the meeting  participants to the fact that the prices for grain and sugar have fell dramatically. According to the Minister, sugar factories have 2 billion roubles less revenue than in 2016. Thus, one kilogram of granulated sugar cost 37 roubles in 2016, while in 2017 its price made 25 roubles.

"The farms will not be able to make advance payments for the sowing campaign at the proper level," Akhmetov said. “Because of decreased purchasing prices for sugar beet, the farms are losing their finances. This will affect the quality of preparation and carrying out the sowing campaign."

Concessional lending is the main financial resource in ensuring the sowing campaign and the results of the sowing will largely depend on the activity of goods producers, Akhmetov concluded.