Altai Krai stands as a central agricultural region in Siberia, showcasing strong performance across the core sectors of the agro-industrial complex. This assessment comes after a productive meeting with the governor of Altai Territory, Viktor Tomenko, and a subsequent review by Dmitry Patrushev, the head of the Ministry of Agriculture. The information was conveyed through the ministry’s reported channels and official communications. The conversation highlighted continued momentum in the region and its role in national agricultural outputs.
In 2022, the region demonstrated a notable uptick in agricultural production, increasing overall output by roughly 4 percent. This rise encompassed a broad spectrum of products, including dairy, beef and poultry, vegetable oils, and meat, among others. The gains reflected the region’s ability to scale operations, optimize processing chains, and meet growing demand in both domestic and export markets. Observers noted that the profitability of agricultural enterprises in Altai Krai remained above the national average, signaling resilient performance despite broader market fluctuations.
Additionally, there was emphasis on the region’s strategic crop mix, with buckwheat—the area’s principal crop this year—being expanded through targeted cultivation and improved agronomic practices. Officials pointed to a combination of improved seed varieties, better soil management, and coordinated support from regional programs as factors contributing to this expansion.
Comprehensive support for the agricultural sector continues to be a priority. Last year’s package, which totaled 2.8 billion rubles, was reaffirmed as a baseline for ongoing measures this year. The sustained level of funding underscores commitments to farmers, processing facilities, and related infrastructure that bolster productivity while maintaining stability across the value chain.
Dmitry Patrushev announced that 2023 would see the allocation of 350 million rubles for the integrated development of rural territories. The funds are earmarked for a broad set of improvements, including housing construction, road maintenance and expansion, modernization of water supply networks, and landscape improvements. This investment aims to elevate living standards, support rural communities, and create a more resilient regional economy.
Context for the Altai Territory also includes its participation in major industry gatherings. On June 28, the Minister of Agriculture visited the region for one of the field’s marquee events—the extensive agro-industrial forum known as Siberian Field Day. The forum serves as a platform for showcasing innovations, exchanging best practices, and forging collaboration across the sector, with attendees from across Russia and beyond.
Earlier discussions cited considerations at the national level, including proposals from the Ministry of Agriculture related to rice exports. The recently proposed measures contemplated temporary restrictions on exports of rice from Russia as part of broader policy discussions aimed at balancing domestic needs with external market dynamics. The dialogue indicates that the sector remains attentive to regulatory developments that could influence pricing, supply chains, and farmers’ planning calendars.