Marat Akhmetov: There are about 500 agricultural enterprises in the republic, and every 6th is unprofitable

On February 19 at a summary board session Minister of Agriculture and Food Marat Akhmetov reported that in 2013 the cost of gross agricultural output produced in Tatarstan exceeded 160 milliard roubles, which is 2.2 percent less compared to the last year.

The board session was devoted to results of development of Tatarstan agricultural industry in 2013 and ways to increase efficiency of agricultural production in 2014.

Marat Akhmetov reported that gross agricultural products were manufactured to the amount of 800,000 roubles per one worker excluding large agricultural complexes and 1.2 million roubles including large agricultural holdings. The area of arable land makes 3.3 million hectares in the republic. In 2013 2.6 million tonnes of grain, over 2 million tonnes of sugar beet, 1.3 million tonnes of potatoes, 329 thousand of vegetables were produced in Tatarstan. It was also reported that 1.72 million tonnes of milk were obtained, 477 thousand tonnes of livestock and poultry were bred, 1 milliard pieces of eggs were obtained.

Marat Akhmetov emphasized that to increase efficiency of agricultural production is the strategic task of the industry.  The total value of marketable products in Tatarstan agricultural formations made 62.5 milliard roubles, which is 4 percent more compared to 2012.

In 2013 gross output per hectare made 49.2 thousand roubles in Tatarstan (34 thousand roubles in Bashkortostan, 24 thousand roubles in Samara region, and 18.7 thousand roubles in Saratov region).

 “Whatever conditions are, Russia’ membership in WTO, two times reduction in federal funding, we must change the situation. There are about 500 agricultural enterprises in the republic, and every 6th is unprofitable, especially in Almetievsk, Cheremshan, Drozhzhanoe, Kukmor and Mamadysh regions,” Marat Akhmetov concluded.  

Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov, Chairman of Tatarstan State Council Farid Mukhametshin, First Deputy Prime Minister Aleksey Pesoshin and other officials took part in the session.