Dmitry Patrushev at a government meeting. Photo: Dmitry Astakhov/POOL/TASS
Starting in 2024, it is planned to introduce restrictions on the import of foreign seeds into Russia. This was stated by Agriculture Minister Dmitry Patrushev at a government meeting on Friday. According to him, the restriction is going to be introduced to stimulate seed production in the country.
Patrushev also said that the government is considering extending measures to limit the export of certain types of fertilizers for another six months, up to and including November. According to the minister, sales prices will thus be set.
“All this allows us to keep the situation under control,” Patrushev said.
According to him, farmers now have no problems with the purchase of fertilizers.
“Farmers have 2.2 million tons of fertilizers in stock, 212 thousand tons more than the previous year,” Patrushev said.
The sowing campaign, according to Patrushev, is proceeding without incident. 29 regions have already started spring planting.
– To date, more than 600,000 hectares have been planted. Dynamics higher than last year. If the weather is favourable, we have a decent harvest and, most importantly, we hope it will be balanced,” said the minister.
In turn, Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin promised that the government would continue to support farmers. According to him, all the necessary subsidies for field work have been preserved.
– The government understands how important it is for agricultural producers to have seeds, fuel, fertilizers and machinery. Then we can count on an increase in the planting of cereals, potatoes, other vegetables, as well as fodder crops,” said Mishustin.
The Prime Minister recalled that farmers have the opportunity to take a loan at a reduced rate. Almost 160 billion rubles are provided for such subsidies in the budget.
– Funds should reach farmers as soon as possible in order to buy on time everything that is needed for the sowing campaign, – said the prime minister.
