Rural Support and Agricultural Export Potential: Highlights of the Speech of the Rais of Tatarstan
Today, Rais of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov delivered his Speech to the State Council of the Republic of Tatarstan for 2026. The Speech was delivered at the S. Saidashev State Grand Concert Hall in Kazan during the 14th session of the State Council of the Republic of Tatarstan of the 7th convocation.
Rustam Minnikhanov noted that the republic is fully self-sufficient in basic agricultural products. "This is, first and foremost, the result of the hard work of our rural residents, for which we extend our deepest gratitude! This year, 4.5 million tons of grain have been harvested. The leaders here are the Buinsky, Tetyushsky, and Arsky districts, and the Chistopolskaya, Narmonka, Kyrlay, Igenche, and Vyatskie Zori agrofirms," he said.
The Rais of Tatarstan emphasized that Tatneft and TAIF provide significant support to the agricultural sector, having provided nearly 600,000 tons of diesel fuel at a discounted price over five years. He also thanked the companies for their assistance this year.
"In terms of agricultural production, Tatarstan ranks first in the Volga Federal District and among the top five in Russia. For many years, it has been the country's leader in milk production, ranks second in gross potato harvest, and sixth in sugar beet production. We have one of the largest cattle herds," Rustam Minnikhanov added.
The Rais of Tatarstan emphasized that work is underway in the republic to create a new Biotechnopark. The project will be created as part of the national project "Technological Support for Food Security" and will become the country's largest specialized genetic research center. Using genomic selection methods, the goal is to increase cow productivity to 10,000 kg of milk by 2030.
The RT Rais noted the importance of focusing on agricultural processing.
"Over the past five years, we have increased the utilisation of milk and meat processing plants from 50% to 84%. The goal by 2030 is to reach 95%. Developing processing offers potential for increasing agricultural exports. Last year, more than 70% of exports consisted of raw materials and low-value-added products. It is important to shift to exporting high-value-added products. Halal products are another significant export area. We must continue to develop their production," Rustam Minnikhanov emphasized.
According to him, private farmsteads are a source of income for tens of thousands of families and the backbone of villages. This year, their support from the republic's budget has been increased to 700 million rubles. "It is important to continue supporting proactive individuals in implementing their projects, increasing rural entrepreneurship, and further developing agricultural cooperation. A decision has been made to allocate 200 million rubles annually to support cooperatives," noted Rustam Minnikhanov.
"A whole class of strong farmers has emerged in the republic. I would like to highlight the farms of Davletov from the Menzelinsky District, Minekhanov from the Tukaevsky District, Churin from the Chistopolsky District, Vafaullin from the Yutazinsky District, Vildanov from the Apastovsky District, Tazmiev from the Kukmorsky District, and Akhmetzyanov from the Yelabuga District," said the Rais of the Republic of Tatarstan.
On behalf of the city's residents, Rustam Minnikhanov expressed special gratitude to the villagers for holding fairs and providing high-quality organic produce.