Head of the Ministry of Agriculture Dmitry Patrushev in an interview with the newspaper “Kommersant” He talked about the difficulties facing agriculture in Russia.
According to the minister, risks of shortages of seeds, agricultural machinery and spare parts “objectively exist.” He called the key point the availability of seeds. He explained that more than 70-90% of basic grain products are supplied to Russia. In addition, for some cultures it was possible to maintain a strong Soviet base, which continued to develop.
“Objectively difficult sugar beets and potatoes. “In sugar beet, native seeds make up about 3% of the total planting and 9% in potatoes,” Patrushev said.
He noted that the ministry is working with the business world to resolve the issue.
Patrushev emphasized that the model of industrial development based on foreign selection should be changed.
The Minister also drew attention to the very tense situation regarding imported agricultural machinery, as well as components and spare parts. He explained that “almost all” foreign companies have reduced their participation in the Russian market, and domestic volumes are still not enough.
In February of this year, the RBC publication, citing a source, stated that the Ministry of Agriculture plans submits to the Customs and Tariff Regulation subcommittee the issue of imposing quotas for the import of potato seeds and a number of other agricultural crops from hostile countries.