Putin congratulated farmers on Agricultural Worker Day – Kommersant

The Kremlin published video greeting President Vladimir Putin on the Day of Agricultural and Processing Industry Workers. He predicted a “good harvest” in 2023 and promised support measures for farmers. Mr. Putin believes that Russia still needs to achieve “technological sovereignty” in related industries “that are tied to the agro-industrial complex.”

The President recalled that in 2022, a record amount of grain was collected in history – 158 million tons. “And this year the country will again receive a good harvest of grains and oilseeds, vegetables and fruits, and will increase the production of meat, milk, and fish. Today, our farmers provide the domestic market with all basic types of food,” said the head of state. He noted that agricultural products are also among the key items of Russian export, and for some items, such as wheat and fish, Russian companies are global leaders.

Mr. Putin promised that the authorities will support the aspirations of people employed in the industry. According to him, the efficiency of government support instruments will increase, including preferential loans and tariffs for the transportation of products, subsidies and leasing, and land reclamation programs. “We will definitely resolve issues related to providing enterprises and farmers with equipment, fertilizers and fuels and lubricants,” he added.

The President noted that Russia needs to pay attention to related sectors of the economy. Among them are agricultural machinery manufacturing, production of equipment for the food industry and others. In his opinion, it is also important to use the capabilities of industry science so that “the research of our scientific institutes in the field of selection, seed production, and biotechnology is in demand in production and is implemented at an accelerated pace.” The head of state considers the diversity of national cuisines and gastronomic traditions to be a powerful factor for the development of agritourism.