Proper use of land is of most importance

Results achieved in the agricultural complex of the Republic of Tatarstan in 2003, its further development and strategy were discussed at the seminar held in Bogaty Saby (Tatarstan) on February 24. The seminar was attended by RT President Mintimer Shaimiev, RT Prime Minister Rustam Minnikhanov, heads of republican ministries, cities and districts, agricultural companies.

The deputy RT Prime Minister-Minister of Agriculture and Foodstuffs, Marat Akhmetov, indicated that the growth of agricultural production in the republic exceeded five percent, in the Russian Federation it is only 1.5 percent. The minister went on to say that this year it is planned to gather not less than 5 million tons of grain, a million tons of white beet, not less than a million tons of milk, and 180 thousand tons of meat, and also increase volume of agricultural products by 6-7 percent.

Issues of effective investments in agricultural business were in the spotlight. Mintimer Shaimiev said that the government will continue to provide support for the agricultural complex. We have to press towards the level set up by investors – “Tatfondbank”, “Krasny Vostok”, “Kamazernoprodukt”. Efficiency and keeping to technology standards are of most importance. It allows achieving high results even in poor soils. In conclusion the President underlined that today Tatarstan keeps the lowest prices for bread. Prices for dairy products will rise gradually, but bread and some dairy products will be available to all people of the republic.