Dmitry Medvedev discusses readiness for spring field works with leadership of Russian regions

Prime Minister of Russia Dmitry Medvedev held a video conference meeting on issues of spring field works. Tatarstan Prime Minister Ildar Khalikov participated in the event.

Dmitry Medvedev said that abnormal weather in central and southern part of Russia provoked discussion of spring field works. For March 21, 330 thousand hectares of spring crops have been sowed in the South of Russia. By and large, spring sowing campaign is planned to be accomplished at the area of 51 mln hectares. The area of winter crops makes 16 mln hectares. Condition of 90 per cent of crops is estimated as good or satisfactory, agrarians are expecting quite good harvest.

137 bln rubles were allocated under the federal programme to support agricultural sector.

Dmitry Medvedev called heads of regions to pay special attention to protecting crops.

Total need for financing sowing campaign is estimated at 268 bln rubles, including 154 bln credit resources.

Dmitry Medvedev said: “As we are joining the WTO we must make all decisions connected with support of agricultural sector in compliance with rules.”

Dmitry Medvedev wished success to agrarians in their work. “Your work is very important for our country. Agricultural sector has become an essential factor of Russia’s development. Our agricultural industry has a great potential and should provide our country and export supplies with goods,” Prime Minister of Russia continued.