Tatarstan Minister of Agriculture Marat Akhmetov: Agricultural fairs will last until December, 23

On November 4, speaking at a regional video-conference held by Tatarstan Prime Minister Alexey Pesoshin at Tatarstan Government House, Minister of Agriculture and Food of the republic Marat Akhmetov reported that agricultural fairs will last until December, 23 and invited everyone to attend fair events.

Akhmetov reported that about 54,000 hectares of corn, 75,000 hectares of sunflower, and 1,100 hectares of sugar beet have not been harvested yet. Moreover, soil cultivation works will be continued as soon as the weather is cool, he added.

The minister reminded that traditional autumn agricultural fairs opened two months ago. "Seven more tented sites have been open in addition to ten main agricultural fair sites that were organized last year. They are more space-saving and are able to house from 15 up to 60 sellers offering basic food items,” Akhmetov said.

As noted at the meeting, before fairs are open and while they are running, the quality of products is constantly monitored by Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance in Tatarstan.  

"Fairs are becoming more popular among people living in the city. At the beginning of the fair season visitors bought potatoes and vegetables, flour, sugar, grain, cereals, while during last two-three weeks most people are buying all kinds of meat, milk and dairy products, chicken eggs,” the minister informed the meeting.

Akhmetov emphasized that in spite of the active work to involve self-employed individuals in the fairs, such large agricultural companies as AkBarsHolding, Tatagrolizing, Tatpotrebsoyuz, AgroInvest, Agrosila holding are still their main participants.

"Agricultural fairs are becoming more important because their food prices are affordable for a significant part of citizens," Akhmetov said. He also reminded that agricultural fairs will last until December 23.