Russia Moves to Expand Domestic Poultry Production as Prices Stretch Household Budgets
In a response to rising food prices that weigh on households, President Vladimir Putin has instructed the Cabinet of Ministers to craft a plan aimed at expanding domestic poultry meat production. The directive from the Kremlin makes clear the goal: lift output to stabilize the market and guarantee steady supplies for consumers across the country.
The task force is given a tight deadline, with the plan due by December 20. The government is expected to present concrete proposals that will broaden poultry production and scale up farming operations nationwide. The emphasis is on increasing overall supply to meet domestic demand and reduce price volatility for everyday shoppers.
Earlier in November, the Ministry of Agriculture proposed a quota that would permit up to 160 thousand tons of duty-free imports of certain chicken meat products for the upcoming year. Officials argued that such imports are necessary to steady prices and satisfy consumer needs during a period of heightened demand. Additionally, on October 26 the ministry floated a six‑month restriction on exports of poultry meat and eggs, covering December 1 this year through May 31 next year, in an effort to reserve resources for domestic consumption.
Putin also cited the robust grain harvest of 2023 to frame the broader agricultural performance influencing the meat and feed sectors. The measures form part of a wider strategy to balance open market dynamics with the needs of Russian households, farmers, and processing industries as the country navigates price pressures and supply concerns. By tying poultry output to grain availability and feed costs, authorities aim to create a more predictable nutrition landscape for citizens and a more resilient supply chain for producers.
Analysts note that the strategy reflects a dual approach: boosting production capacity at home while using selective import measures to smooth short-term price spikes. The plan acknowledges the role of poultry as a staple protein source for many families and outlines steps to maintain affordability without compromising safety and quality. Stakeholders throughout agriculture and related industries will be watching closely as the December deadline approaches to see how the government translates broad goals into actionable programs, subsidies, quotas, and potential investment incentives that could drive growth in the poultry sector.
In the broader context, the emphasis on poultry aligns with ongoing reforms aimed at improving efficiency, stabilizing markets, and safeguarding food security. The government’s effort to balance open-market pressures with domestic needs underscores a measured approach designed to reduce dependence on external markets while supporting farmers as they adapt to changing global dynamics. The outcome of these policies will likely influence prices, production practices, and investment decisions in the poultry and related agricultural sectors for months to come.