UPDATE: Putin: Russia’s grain harvest to reach 121 mln tonnes in 2019

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MOSCOW, Dec 26 (PRIME) – Russia will harvest 121 million tonnes of grain in 2019 with an annual result of over 100 million tonnes becoming a stable trend, President Vladimir Putin said at a meeting of the State Council on Thursday.

“We have a bumper beet, sunflower and soy crop this year. As to grain, according to every assessment, we will reach a high result 121 million tonnes. Annual harvests of over 100 million tonnes have become a steady trend. The figures that used to be perceived as a peak are a norm today,” he said.

The agricultural industry’s growth rate is higher that the Russian economy’s average.

“Even when gross domestic product (GDP) fell, farmers demonstrated a rise,” Putin said, adding that Russia’s food security must be guaranteed in both price and quality terms.

Russia’s agricultural output grew 4.1% in January–November, the president said.

Agriculture Minister Dmitry Patrushev said that Russia’s agricultural exports may amount to around U.S. $25 billion in 2019.

“Russia’s self-sustainability makes it possible to compete on the global market. Agricultural exports have increased 30% over the past five years with a simultaneous fall of imports. In 2018, we exported $25.8 billion, and the figure will come to $25 billion in 2019, according to our assessment, as compared with a plan of $24 billion,” he said.

Putin also said that the industry needs special attention of the government.

“There are issues that need our special attention, including the economy of farm production, a comfortable environment for life, conditions for better living of the people, and, of course, further strengthening of the position of Russia’s agriculture as a modern, global and competitive industry.”

The government should take action to reduce the cost of power for farmers and agricultural cooperatives, the president added.

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