At the operational headquarters of the Ministry of Agriculture they discussed the progress of the sowing campaign and the functioning of the agro-industrial complex in conditions of spring floods
The Russian Ministry of Agriculture held a regular meeting of the operational headquarters, at which they considered the issues of conducting seasonal field work, bringing state support to farmers, as well as the work of the agro-industrial complex in flood conditions, which affected a number of regions of the country. The event, which was attended by representatives of federal departments and heads of regional management bodies of the agro-industrial complex, was chaired by the Minister of Agriculture Dmitry Patrushev.
At the moment, a federal-scale emergency regime is in effect in the Orenburg region, and a regional-level emergency regime is in effect in the Kurgan and Tyumen regions, as well as in the Altai Territory. The Samara region is potentially under the risk. The development of the situation is controlled by a specially created Government Commission, as well as a separate interdepartmental headquarters. Dmitry Patrushev noted that the Ministry of Agriculture participates in the work of both structures.
The minister emphasized that today, in general, the functioning of organizations in the designated entities has not been disrupted. For further uninterrupted operation of the agro-industrial complex, it is necessary to continue monitoring the situation, prompt exchange of information and direct interaction with farmers. To carry out quality spring field work, it is necessary to minimize the consequences of flooding. Dmitry Patrushev called on representatives of the regions to monitor the provision of farmers with material and technical resources. In particular, the operation of the oil refinery in Orsk has been suspended, so in the Orenburg region it is necessary to control the availability of fuel. Regional authorities should, if necessary, promptly organize places for temporary housing of farm animals and monitor the provision of biological safety in the flood zone. After the water has receded, a re-assessment of the situation and disinfection is necessary.
Speaking about the progress of the sowing campaign in the country as a whole, the Minister noted that at the moment, fertilizing of winter crops has been carried out on an area of 13.2 million hectares. Spring sowing is gaining momentum, its area is approaching 5 million hectares. The pace is slightly higher than last year.
The operational headquarters also discussed issues of communicating state support to farmers. The minister recalled that starting from 2022, it will be possible to advance their costs, which is especially important during the sowing period. The funds were delivered to the subjects in December 2023. The regions are collectively allocated more than 128 billion rubles, of which almost 50 billion rubles are allocated for a “pooled” subsidy. By April 1, the subjects had to bring at least half of the limit in this area.