Russian President made a speech to the Federal Assembly, presidential web page reported.
In his address he touched upon national economic performance, noting that “The most crucial indicator of a business’s efficiency and competitiveness lies in expanding export and entering external markets. The success of our agricultural industry is a good example of such development. Our agricultural export increased by 19.4% in 2018 reaching $25.8 bln. In 2024, we must reach $45 bln. Incidentally, we are not only one of the largest wheat exporters (exporting 44 mio tons last year). Thanks to the developments of Russian researchers we are no longer dependent on other countries for wheat seeds. Russia must have the entire range of its own advanced agricultural technology, which must be available not only to large but also to small farms. This is literally a matter of national security and successful competition in the growing food markets.”
“Improving the quality of life for those who work in rural areas is a key long-term factor of the agricultural industry’s steady growth. As soon as this year, the government must approve a new development program for rural territories that must be enforced as of January 1, 2020,” he said.