Rustam Minnikhanov: under current conditions, agriculture is becoming one of the key sectors of the economy

On March 7, speaking at a summing up meeting of Tatarstan Ministry of Agriculture and Food held at the Kazan Expo International Exhibition Centre, the Rais (Head) of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov said that under current conditions, agriculture is becoming one of the key sectors of the economy, and food security is a guarantee of the country's sovereignty.

Before the meeting, Minnikhanov looked around the 5th specialized agricultural exhibition of achievements of the agro-industrial complex "TatAgroExpo 2023".

More than 350 companies from all over Russia take part in the exhibition. The exhibition presents agricultural machinery, equipment and raw materials for the efficient development of livestock and crop production, as well as various technologies for processing agricultural products.

Deputy Prime Minister of the republic - Tatarstan Minister of Agriculture and Food Marat Zyabbarov made a report on the results of the work of the agro-industrial complex of the republic.

He noted that in 2022, the farmers of the republic harvested 5.2 million tonnes of grain. The decent harvest of sugar beet, potatoes and vegetables was grown. For the first time in the history of Tatarstan, more than 2 million tonnes of milk have been produced. Among the regions of the country, the republic ranks first in milk production.

The value of gross agricultural output amounted to 334.1 billion roubles, the production index made 126 per cent. Tatarstan ranks first in the Volga Federal District and the fifth among all regions of the country in production volumes.

Food processing enterprises also showed positive dynamics, taking first place among the regions of the Volga Federal District. The production index is 103.8 per cent, products were shipped in the amount of 292.3 billion roubles. The volume of product exports increased by 11 per cent, amounting to 445 million US dollars in absolute terms. The Halal direction is successfully developing: the export volume increased by 33 per cent and amounted to 6.5 million US dollars.

Last year, the volume of investments in the agro-industrial complex amounted to 36.2 billion roubles. According to this indicator, the republic is also among the leaders among the entities of the country. As many as 18.3 billion roubles were allocated for the development of the industry and rural areas. The efficiency of the agro-industrial complex is confirmed by the financial results. The revenue from agricultural enterprises increased by 20 per cent and profit increased by 5 billion roubles. The share of profitable farms increased by 6 per cent. The staffing level ranges from 79 to 96 per cent. The greatest need is registered in livestock specialists, agronomists and veterinarians.

Zyabbarov also reported on the implementation of regional programmes on construction, reconstruction and overhaul of the agro-industrial facilities. For the current year funding will amount to 839.9 million roubles.

Addressing the meeting participants, Rustam Minnikhanov thanked the agrarians for helping the participants of the special military operation and the residents of the new territories.

To date, they have been able to form and deliver 500 tonnes of humanitarian supplies.

According to the Rais of Tatarstan, the key task for today is timely and successful organization of spring fieldwork. It is important to complete the preparation of the machine-tractor park in the shortest possible time. Minnikhanov paid special attention to the development of import substitution.

Import dependence on seeds of technical crops remains high. He called for the development of local production centers.

Minnikhanov also touched upon the issues of crop insurance, improvement of soil fertility, purchase of breeding stock, sale of livestock products and urged to pay special attention to issues of veterinary safety.

Separately, the Rais of Tatarstan thanked the farmers for holding agricultural fairs. In 2022, they were organized 22 times. This year the fairs will start their work on March 18.

At the end of the meeting, Rustam Minnikhanov handed in a number of state awards to the most distinguished workers of the agro-industrial complex.