The head of Russia’s Ministry of Agriculture, Dmitry Patrushev, spoke about the challenges confronting the country’s farming sector in an interview with a major national business newspaper. He outlined the current pressures facing agriculture and highlighted the practical hurdles that must be addressed to keep production stable and food security reliable.
Patrushev noted that there are objective risks linked to the supply of seeds, agricultural machinery, and spare parts. He emphasized that securing access to quality seeds stands out as a critical factor for sustaining yields and ensuring predictable harvests. The minister pointed out that Russia already depends on imports for a large portion of its basic grain products, and maintaining a robust seed and input base is essential to reducing vulnerability in the agricultural chain.
According to the minister, more than 70 to 90 percent of basic grain supply is already provided domestically, yet the country still relies on seasonal imports for certain crops. He added that in some crops, the country managed to preserve a strong, legacy base from the Soviet era, which continues to contribute to agricultural development and productivity today.
He underscored specific difficulties for crops like sugar beets and potatoes, where native seed varieties represent only a small fraction of the total planting stock. In sugar beet production, local seeds make up roughly 3 percent of plantings, and about 9 percent for potatoes, highlighting a tight seed supply that can limit growth and resilience in these important crops.
Patrushev said the ministry is actively engaging with the business community to find practical solutions to these seed and input challenges. The collaboration aims to speed up the availability of high-quality seeds, improve distribution networks, and reduce bottlenecks in the supply chain, even amid broader market pressures.
Beyond seeds, he stressed the need to rethink the current model of industrial development, which has relied heavily on foreign-selected varieties and technologies. The ministry is exploring paths to accelerate domestic breeding, campesino innovations, and national seed programs that can better adapt to Russia’s climate and farming conditions, ensuring long-term food self-reliance.
Patrushev also drew attention to the tense situation surrounding imported agricultural machinery, components, and spare parts. He noted that the majority of foreign manufacturers have scaled back their presence in the Russian market, while domestic production has yet to fully compensate for the gap. This mismatch creates immediate challenges for farmers who depend on timely access to reliable equipment and parts, underscoring the urgency of strengthening domestic manufacturing and parallel supply channels.
In related developments, reports from early this year indicated that the ministry is considering measures to regulate imports of agricultural inputs from certain foreign suppliers. The aim is to safeguard domestic producers, diversify supply sources, and reduce exposure to external shocks, while maintaining steady access to essential seeds and tools for farmers across regions.