Rustam Minnikhanov: “Grain harvest expected to be two times less than estimated”

On July 9 at a teleconference on harvest season held by Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov said that according to the latest forecast grain harvest in Tatarstan would make 2.5 mln tonnes in 2013.

Dmitry Medvedev started the meeting by saying that grain and leguminous crops harvest is underway in southern Russia and the current situation is quite good compared to last year. At the same time, abnormal high temperatures were observed in June and July in European Russia, some regions were drought-stricken. “This situation has been repeating over the past few years, and this can negatively impact harvests,” Dmitry Medvedev noted.

Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov made a report on crop situation in Tatarstan. He noted that the discussed matter was very urgent for Tatarstan. “We had good crop forecast. With 3 mln hectares of arable land being cultivated, we have done all agro-technical works. But the situation has become worse because of soil moisture deficit,” Rustam Minnikhanov reported.

Tatarstan President said that 11 bln rubles, including 7.5 bln of credit funds, were spent on sowing campaign 2013. Rustam Minnikhanov thanked Russian Government for timely allocation of budget funds.

“Unfortunately, weather conditions are not favourable to us,” Rustam Minnikhanov stated.

According to Rustam Minnikhanov, this year’s grain harvest is expected to be two times less than estimated, – about 2.5 mln tonnes.

Rustam Minnikhanov said that 75 per cent of potatoes and vegetable crops are being watered within the framework of the regional melioration programme.

According to Tatarstan President, Tatarstan Government is going to take an active part in melioration programmes.

Tatarstan President said that starting from the next year regional programmes on working in soil moisture deficit conditions would be implemented.

Harvesting campaign is to be started by the end of this week, 15 days earlier than usual.

Tatarstan President noted that due to unfavourable weather conditions within 4 years financial situation of regional argo-industrial complex has become worse.

Therefore, Rustam Minnikhanov addressed Dmitry Medvedev with a request to prolong credits, postpone leasing payments and allocate grants to maintain cattle stock.

Russian Prime Minister noted that support measures must be considered individually for each affected territory.