Rustam Minnikhanov: Due to the professionalism and hard work of our farmers, Tatarstan residents are provided with basic food products

On November 7, at the Kazan Expo International Exhibition Centre, the Rais (Head) of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov, Prime Minister of the republic Aleksey Pesoshin, Deputy Prime Minister of the republic – Tatarstan Minister of Agriculture and Food Marat Zyabbarov, industry leaders and veterans took part in the solemn event dedicated to the Day of the Worker of Agriculture and Processing Industry.

Minnikhanov emphasized that due to the professionalism and hard work of farmers, Tatarstan residents are fully provided with basic food products of their own production. The Rais of the republic also noted the veterans of the industry who have devoted to this noble cause not one decade.

This year, a decent harvest has been grown in Tatarstan – 3.8 million tonnes of grain after processing. A gross harvest of 2.5 million tonnes of sugar beet, 1.2 million tonnes of potatoes and vegetables has been ensured. Sufficient feed has been prepared for productive wintering of the livestock. Rustam Minnikhanov noted that all this is the merit of the selfless work of agricultural workers.

Rustam Minnikhanov expressed special gratitude to livestock breeders who maintain the republic’s leadership in milk production.

He also said that the current year has been declared the Year of Scientific and Technological Development in Tatarstan. Today, the agro-industrial complex has become a modern high-tech industry with good development potential. In August, the opening of «Agrobiotechnopark» of Kazan Agricultural University took place with the participation of Russian Minister of Agriculture of Oksana Lut. This unique project is aimed at reviving the format of an educational and experimental farm. It will become a federal platform for the exchange of advanced experience in selection and seed production," Minnikhanov said. The Rais of Tatarstan also emphasized the importance of entering foreign markets. He stressed that the republic should become a food hub for the entire Volga region for international supplies. Today, 258 Tatarstan companies supply products to 52 countries of the near and far abroad.

A lot of work is being done in the republic to improve the quality of life in rural areas: primary health care is being modernized, cultural centers and sports grounds are being built, water supply, lighting and much more are being improved.

He also thanked the villagers for holding weekly agricultural fairs, which allows city residents to buy high-quality and natural products at reasonable prices.

Then Minnikhanov handed in the state awards of Russia and Tatarstan for special contribution to the development of agro-industrial complex and long-term fruitful work.