Minister of Agriculture Nikolai Fyodorov summed up the results of agricultural development in 2012 and described the preparations for spring field work in 2013.
Mr Fyodorov said that because of the drought, the plant cultivation index was at 88%. He said it has growth potential.
The livestock production index increased to 103.3% in 2012; meat production grew by 6.1% and milk output by 0.9%. Mr Fyodorov believes the implementation of the programme to develop private farms and livestock family farms was the main reason for the positive changes.
Speaking about the food and processing industries, Mr Fyodorov said that their production slightly exceeded 105.1%. Imports of foreign produce decreased by 5.5% and exports grew by 24.5%.
Mr Fyodorov also mentioned the priorities of agriculture, such as further growth of plant cultivation, livestock breeding and milk production. It is also important to upgrade the technical base of the agro-industrial complex and develop the social sphere in rural areas, he said.
