Results of work of Tatarstan agro-industrial complex for 2012 and tasks for the forthcoming period of spring field works have been discussed at a board session of the RT Ministry of agriculture and foodstuff with participation of President of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov.

The traditional meeting was held in Pestretsy region.

Before the session participants of the meeting looked over the exhibition where agricultural equipment, state-of-the-art technologies in livestock, plant growing, agricultural sectors, processing of agricultural produce, information about most successful households, and agro-industrial projects were presented.

Plenary session was held at the regional house of culture in format of video conference with participation of all municipal regions.

Opening the session, Rustam Minnikhanov said that last three years had been unfavourable for Tatarstan agricultural sector. However, 3,2 mln tons of grain, 2 mln tons of sugar beet,1,4 mln tons of potatoes, 326 thousand tons of vegetables were harvested in republic. 456 thousand tons of meat and 1,9 mln tons of milk were produced in 2012.

The strategic aspect of Tatarstan agro-industrial complex, - development of major agricultural enterprises has faced serious problems due to crop failure and Russia’s joining the WTO. Head of republic believes that peasant farms and private households require development and support. According to Rustam Minnikhanov, 870 family farms are currently working in republic.

Among problems faced by agricultural producers President of Tatarstan marked out the decrease of credit availability.

Minister of agriculture and foodstuff Marat Akhmetov said that the current year would also be uneasy in terms of financial and climatic conditions. Minor households manufacture a considerable part of animal products in republic. Moreover, this industry is considered to be the factor of rural life maintenance. Therefore, this year major efforts will be taken on allocation of preferential credits to population.

Summing up, Rustam Minnikhanov focused on main problems, such as personnel issues, conservation of livestock, and increase of labour safety level.