Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin announced in a meeting with deputy prime ministers that the government will allocate 20 billion rubles in concessional loans to support the agro-industrial complex (AIC). The disclosure came through RIA News, and it marks a clear step toward strengthening cash flow for farmers and associated food-processing sectors in the near term. The move signals a coordinated effort to stabilize the agricultural economy amid seasonal demands and evolving global markets (Source: RIA News).
According to Mishustin, the 20 billion rubles will be transferred to the Ministry of Agriculture, which will oversee the program’s distribution. The decision is designed to enable domestic producers to secure investment and short-term financing at discounted rates, facilitating operations from sowing to harvest and beyond. The measure is framed as a practical tool to reduce financing costs for farmers who typically face higher borrowing expenses during peak cycles, thereby supporting both standalone farm projects and broader industry initiatives (Source: Government press briefing).
The Prime Minister emphasized that these funds should reach farmers quickly, underscoring the importance of timely disbursement to align with seasonal field work. By expediting financial support, government officials expect to keep planting calendars intact, minimize downtime between harvests, and sustain equipment maintenance across regions. This approach aims to bolster not only crop yields but also the resilience of rural communities relying on agriculture as a primary income source (Source: Government press briefing).
Officials from the government press service noted that the new facilities could attract more than 804 billion rubles in loan funds on preferential terms, multiplying the impact beyond the initial 20 billion. The funds are intended to cover seasonal field operations, such as planting and fertilization, and to support the execution of long-term investment programs in processing facilities, storage infrastructure, and logistics networks tied to agricultural output (Source: Government press release).
Earlier reports mentioned that the Ministry of Agriculture of the Russian Federation proposed allocating an additional 4 million tons within the grain export quota set on February 15, which would further influence cash flow for farmers, export logistics, and domestic market balance. If approved, this adjustment could help stabilize prices for farmers during the harvest window and expand access to international markets, while ensuring domestic consumption needs are met (Source: Interfax).
In a separate note, Mishustin cautioned against excessive optimism, reminding policymakers and the public that the path to robust, self-sustaining growth in the AIC requires disciplined management, continuous oversight, and timely adjustments to credit terms as market conditions evolve. The emphasis on prudent administration reflects the government’s broader strategy to balance immediate relief with long-term productivity improvements across agriculture, food processing, and related sectors (Source: Official briefings).