Rustem Khamitov: Preparation for sowing campaign is a priority task

UFA, 28 January 2015. /Bashinform News Agency, Juliya Antipina/. On January 27, in Ufa, the Head of Bashkortostan Rustem Khamitov held an enlarged meeting on preparation for the next spring field works. It was attended by members of the Government of the Republic, the heads of municipal administrations and urban districts, heads of agricultural enterprises, top managers of credit institutions and industrial enterprises.

Opening the meeting Rustem Khamitov noted that Bashkortostan was the largest agricultural region of Russia, which in terms of agricultural production took the second place in the Volga Federal District, and among the top ten in the country.

According to preliminary calculations, last year the agricultural products output amounted to 135 billion rubles in the republic, which was 1.1 percent higher than in 2013. About 7 billion rubles were directed for state support of agriculture. In Bashkortostan about 20 major agricultural projects are being realized with total investment of more than 90 billion rubles. 212 dairy farms became participants of the program "500 farms", 304 livestock premises were modernized and built.

“Farmers-beginners are supported by issuing grants of up to 1.5 million rubles as their starting capital. Family livestock farms are compensated for equipment costs, for purchasing breeding and commercial cattle in the form of grants of up to 10 million rubles. More than 300 farmers are involved in these programs,” the Head of the Region said.

Rustem Khamitov underlined that this year spring field works should be conducted for reasonable amount of time. However, more funds will be spent for their carrying out due to the current economic situation in the country.

The Head of the Republic urged local authorities to speed up work on execution of contracts with agricultural enterprises on long-term land lease. The necessity of this step is determined by the amendments to the land legislation, including introduction of new regulations of subsidies allocation per hectare.

Rustem Khamitov also reported that the Government of the Republic issued addresses to the leadership of the largest enterprises of fuel and energy and petrochemical complex of the region seeking provision of discounts on oil products and fertilizers for farmers, as well as deferred payment until the end of seasonal works.

Following the meeting, the heads of municipalities were requested to form special offices to prepare for the sowing campaign. Their task will include constant monitoring of the situation on site. Also, the heads of regions should oversee the level of food supplies.

Full transcript of the speech is posted on the official website of the Head of the Republic.