Sowing campaign passed its halfway point

On May 10, at a meeting held by Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov at Tatarstan Government House, it was reported that, as of today, the sowing campaign has been completed at an area of 1 million hectares in Tatarstan, which makes 58 per cent of the total area of spring crops in 2014.

Rustam Minnikhanov called on the heads of the regions to make an overflight of the fields in their territories, adding that it will allow them to see the real situation in the fields.

Tatarstan Vice Prime Minister – Minister of Agriculture and Food Marat Akhmetov, who took part in the meeting, said that, as of today, 1 million hectares of spring crops have been sown in the republic, which makes 58 per cent of the planned area.

The Minister noted with satisfaction the increase in milk production. “We have reached the last year’s level in milk production. 322,000 tonnes of milk have been sold, making 103 per cent compared to the previous year,” Marat Akhmetov said.

At the same time, due to high purchase prices for milk, cash proceeds of agro-industrial complex  for four months have increased by 20 per cent compared to 2013 and made 16 billion roubles. As a result, according to Marat Akhmetov, some farms managed without seasonal loans for the first time this spring.

Ildar Khalikov, who took part in the meeting, asked to keep the same rates of spring field works. He also stressed the importance of maintaining the number of cattle and milk production level, particularly noting the need to ensure the profitability of agricultural production.