The Ministry of Agriculture of the Russian Federation expects an increase in sugar beet and sunflower crops in 2021. This was stated by the head of the department Dmitry Patrushev at a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
“This year, we plan to increase both sunflower and sugar beet acreage, and we hope that the weather will allow for a decent harvest,” the minister said, quoted by the Kremlin press service.
He recalled that in 2020, the sown area for sugar beet was reduced, because the profitability of its production fell. Patrushev added that monitoring of winter crops is also continuing this year. According to him, 19,4 million hectares have been sown with them in the Russian Federation. “80% are in good and satisfactory condition. This is worse than last year, we had very little moisture in the fall, nevertheless the situation is improving. I hope that we will fulfill it, if the weather permits, the indicators that we have laid down, respectively, were included in the state program, ”the official said.
He also touched upon the topic of Russia's self-sufficiency in potatoes. According to him, in 2020 it was estimated at 86% with a target of 95%. “Unfortunately, last year was not the most fruitful for potatoes. This was due to the pandemic, and, accordingly, the weather made its own adjustments. We have also increased the area for potatoes this year. I hope we will rectify the situation, ”Patrushev said.
