Rustam Minnikhanov: The principle of state support of efficient agricultural producers must be implemented in Tatarstan in 2013

The principle of state support of efficient agricultural producers must be implemented in Tatarstan in 2013, the Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov stated presenting his annual message to deputies at a session of the Tatarstan State Council.

The session took place in a big concert hall named after Salikh Saidashev. Representatives of federal and republican authorities, local self-government, public and religious organisations, trade unions, business, education, health care, culture and mass media, by and large, about 700 people were invited to the event.

Rustam Minnikhanov noted that Aktanyshsky, Baltasinsky and Sabinsky regions already have proven experience of using market tools.

“Efficiency of land and equipment usage, and labour efficiency must be priority tasks of our agro-industrial policy,” he said.

The Tatarstan President noted that in general, agro-industrial complex is still an important component of the republican economy. At the same time, all areas are significant for republic – development of big agricultural organisations, farms and private households.

High development rates of minor households in Tatarstan are achieved due to vigorous state support. Thus, 860 family farms, including 381 high-technology farms are functioning in Tatarstan. More than 20 bln roubles of preferential loans have been issued for private households within the last few years. Funding has been provided for 863 agricultural projects under the program “Leasing-grant”.

Rustam Minnikhanov said that the RT Cabinet must efficiently deal with allocation of grants. Not less than 30 % should be assigned for rural areas.

“Tatarstan’s agro-industrial park will help connecting our producers with customers and provide reasonable prices for high-quality produce. Such agro-industrial parks must be created in all republican cities,” Rustam Minnikhanov said.

The Tatarstan Government should develop support measures for plant growing and livestock sector on the basis of features of certain territories and demand opportunities, the Tatarstan President said.

He reminded that realization of the republican programs aimed at construction of housing, roads, village clubs and medical institutions of primary health care in rural areas will be continued in Tatarstan.