Day of Agriculture at the RUSSIA EXPO

---

The Day of Agriculture has started at the RUSSIA EXPO. Its extensive program of events will present the history, present and future of the Russian agro-industrial complex - one of the leading sectors of the national economy. The head of the Ministry of Agriculture Dmitry Patrushev gave the start of the thematic day. 

The Minister emphasized that since 2000 agricultural production has grown by 87%. The volumes of grain and meat have doubled, the output of food products has been significantly increased, and fish catch has increased by 60%. This has made it possible to ensure Russia's food self-sufficiency and to increase exports 30 times. Last year, our country once again received an impressive harvest, including, according to preliminary data, 147 million tons of grain. Livestock breeders increased milk production by 800 thousand tons and meat production by 300 thousand tons, and fishermen ensured the maximum catch of aquatic bioresources in 30 years - 5.3 million tons.

According to the head of the Ministry of Agriculture, today the state, business, science, industry and related organizations are aimed not only at increasing volumes, but also at improving the efficiency of production.

"Machinery and equipment are being upgraded, land is being put into circulation, legislation is being amended, the quality of products is being improved, and the education system is being transformed. To ensure import-independence, we are creating our own competitive seeds and developing breeding. At the same time, we are working to improve the quality of rural life. Infrastructure is being renewed and modern housing is being built in non-urban areas. There are still a lot of tasks ahead of us, and time dictates new challenges. However, I am sure that understanding of the common cause will allow us to achieve our objectives," said Dmitry Patrushev. 

The Minister inspected the regional expositions, where the subjects presented their achievements in the agribusiness sector. At the stand of the Republic of Mordovia he together with the head of the region Artem Zdunov gave an online start to the work of a new plant for the production of dry pet food Dobryi Hozyain LLC (Kind Owner LLC). Its construction began in December 2022, after reaching full capacity the plant will annually release 50 thousand tons of products. The plant, worth 1.7 billion rubles, is fitted with the most modern equipment. Its launch will create more than 100 new jobs in the region.

On the Day of Agriculture special attention is paid to those who make a huge contribution to the development of the industry. The head of the Ministry of Agriculture of Russia presented awards to the best workers of the agro-industrial complex. Also, today the Minister will inspect the Walk of Fame of agricultural workers, which opened near Pavilion No. 51 at VDNH. The stands installed on it present information about prominent people associated with the industry: breeders, reclamation workers, botanists, veterinarians, collective farm chairmen, brigadiers and combine harvesters.

A plenary session on key agricultural achievements, the first All-Russian Farmer Forum, as well as panels on various industry trends will be held for experts and industry representatives. And for all visitors there will be numerous entertaining and educational activities - a parade of agricultural products, workshops, lectures and tastings. The Main Stage of VDNH will host a Disco of the 90s, where Russian pop stars will perform their hits, and in Novo-Prostokvashino visitors will enjoy modern music by popular artists.

In addition, several venues will host a gastronomic festival featuring world cuisine dishes cooked exclusively from Russian products.