Dmitry Patrushev: Russian farmers fully meet the needs of the domestic market
On September 30, at the "government hour" in the State Duma of the Russian Federation, the Minister of Agriculture Dmitry Patrushev made a presentation on the implementation of the CDRA state program in 2020 and plans for its further implementation in 2021, as well as on the progress of autumn field work in 2020.
According to the head of the Ministry of Agriculture, despite the current situation, the Russian agro-industrial complex continues to demonstrate positive dynamics, which is confirmed by the main economic indicators. For 8 months of 2020, the agricultural production index amounted to 104.2%, the food industry - 104.7%, the beverage industry - 103.4%. Sustainable growth has been achieved in all key industries.
Harvesting is proceeding normally and 90% of the area has already been threshed. 122.5 million tons of grain have been harvested. The rate of harvesting and yield indicators this year are significantly higher than last year.
“In total, we expect to receive more than 125 million tons of grain and leguminous crops this year, including wheat - at least 82 million tons, which is 7.5 million tons more than a year earlier. According to the preliminary estimates of the subjects, in 2020 oilseeds will be harvested - up to 21.5 million tons, potatoes - more than 22 million tons, vegetables - over 14 million tons, including in winter greenhouses we expect to collect a record harvest - 1.25 million tons. In general, except for oilseeds, these indicators are at the level of the previous year or exceed it, ”the Minister stressed.
Sowing of winter crops is already being carried out in 58 regions. According to forecasts, its area for the harvest in 2021 will exceed 19 million hectares, which is 500 thousand hectares more than last year. To date, 12 million hectares have been sown. Dmitry Patrushev noted the provision of farmers with seeds, fuels and lubricants, mineral fertilizers, and machinery. In 2020, 100.8 billion rubles were allocated to the regions as direct financial assistance, while 70% of the direct recipients have already received funds. According to the Minister, the plans for the harvest and the current situation in the industry confirm that Russian farmers fully meet the needs of the domestic market.
During the event, the head of the Ministry of Agriculture told about the implementation of the state program "Comprehensive Development of Rural Areas", which is based on an assessment of the state of all rural areas of the Russian Federation in the main areas that determine the level of comfort of citizens' life. In 2020, 132 projects for the integrated development of rural areas are being implemented, including the introduction and construction of more than 180 thousand square meters of housing for citizens in rural areas, the implementation of 12 projects of compact housing development for 1396 houses and the completion of previously started projects for 1219 houses. It is planned to build over 833 km of gas distribution networks and over 733 thousand local water pipelines. The implementation of about 5.5 thousand socially significant projects for the improvement of territories is planned. These are playgrounds and sports grounds, lighting, renovation of building facades, construction of sidewalks and much more. In addition, contracts will be concluded for targeted training in agricultural professions for future workers of agricultural organizations in universities, including those subordinate to the Ministry of Agriculture, as well as for practical training for more than 6 thousand students.
Since the beginning of 2020, 115 social and engineering infrastructure facilities have already been built and reconstructed - these are schools, sports facilities and houses of culture. It is planned to complete 361 objects by the end of the year. 65 units of transport were purchased for educational and medical institutions, houses of culture and sports organizations. Also, the activities of the state program in 2020 will create 40 thousand new jobs.
One of the most popular instruments of the state program is “rural mortgage”. The number of loans issued has reached 21.5 thousand, their volume is 42.5 billion rubles, with the original plan in the amount of 11 thousand loans in the amount of 23.5 billion rubles.
The head of the Ministry of Agriculture stressed that already this year, the measures of the state program will improve the quality of life in rural areas with a population of 3.9 million people, which is 13% of the total rural population of the country. The volume of applications for 2021-2023 amounted to 237.1 billion rubles, which confirms the enormous demand for the state program. At the moment, the department is working on proposals to extend the state program "Comprehensive Development of Rural Areas" at least until 2030.
At the end of his speech, Dmitry Patrushev thanked all parliamentary factions for their constant attention to agro-industrial complex issues and noted the focus of the Ministry of Agriculture on maintaining and developing an effective dialogue in the future.