A development strategy for the agroindustrial complex

摘要

Russia's agriculture in 1998 was seriously affected by the August financial crisis as well as by unprecedented drought, despite numerous examples of success by individual enterprises. Cereal yields were particularly badly affected, necessitating feed grain imports. August 1998 marked the end of "market extremism". Nevertheless the subsequent reduction in food imports and increase in demand for Russian produce represents an opportunity for domestic producers to regain a greater share of the market.Despite a very limited budget, the Government is actively assisting specialised large producers of poultry, pigs, protected vegetables, and cereals, and supporting measures to improve soil fertility and ensure quality seed supply. There remain problems with credit provision, with banks now less willing to lend, and with machinery leasing, where repayments have been insufficient. Under a programme for 1999-2005, machinery will be imported from Western and CIS countries. Better use of equipment will be encouraged through the further development of machinery and technology stations. Protectionist measures will be reviewed and adjusted. Emphasis will be placed on reducing production costs, currently very variable. Encouragement will be given to stronger enterprises and their associations, without neglecting weaker ones. A unitary legislative package will be needed for the whole transitional period.