Russian grain farming: problems and methods for stable production.

摘要

A brief outline is given of the development of grain production in Russia since the 1950s, noting the dramatic gains in production between 1950 and 1990. Even in the period from 1986 to 1990, when the average annual grain harvest amounted to 104.3 million tonnes, Russian production was not sufficient to satisfy the country's demand for grain fully. With the change to a market economy, grain production fell considerably in Siberia and southern regions of Russia. Between 1990 and 2000, the total land area used for cultivation of cereals and leguminous crops in Russia by 28% (to 45.6 million ha), the total yield fell by 20% (to 1560 kg/ha), and the total harvest fell by 44% (to 65.5 million tonnes). Since 2000, some positive movements have been observed in grain production. Between 2000 and 2003, the area of land used to grow cereals and leguminous crops grew. Yields of these crops averaged 1810 kg/ha between 2000 and 2003, while total harvests averaged 76.1 million tonnes in this period. However grain production has been characterized by instability, with the 2003 harvest (67.2 million tonnes) being significantly lower than that of 2002 (86.6 million tonnes). On average, wheat accounted for 55.1% of total grain production between 2001 and 2003, followed by barley (23.5%), oats (7.8%) and rye (7.5%). Costs associated with grain production have continued to rise, and purchase prices for grain vary significantly depending on the volumes available. The case for greater government regulation of the Russian grain market is argued. Provisions that have been made in existing legislation for government support of grain production are outlined. However these measures have not been implemented, which has hindered development of the grain production sector. In 2001, with a view to improving the efficiency of grain production, the Russian Ministry of Agriculture developed a special federal programme to ensure stable production and provide for the development of the Russian grain market between 2001 and 2010. The development of cooperation in the grain distribution system is considered critical to the successful functioning of the grain market. Another important pre-condition for efficient functioning of the grain market is the elimination of barriers to trade between different Russian regions.