However, the past summer turned out to be problematic for local rapeseed producers.
In the Krasnoyarsk region, it was decided not only to sow rapeseed fields but also to diversify crop cultivation. This was announced by Ilya Vasilyev, the Minister of Agriculture of the region, during a meeting with representatives of the Amur region.
"We have mastered working with rapeseed. In terms of oilseed production volume, the Krasnoyarsk region has been the leader in Russia for the last five years. Currently, our main priority is the development of rapeseed processing. However, we understand that agricultural producers need an alternative highly profitable crop. And this, undoubtedly, is soy. We started working with it back in 2008: back then, the Shushensky district sowed 70 hectares. This year, we allocated nearly 11 thousand hectares for soybeans. This is a strategically important crop, and we plan to increase its share in crop rotation."
The Ministry of Agriculture of the Amur region, where soy is a key crop, shared its achievements in this area.
There were many scandals surrounding the cultivation and export of rapeseed in the Krasnoyarsk region last summer. For example, in Achinsk, we were looking for a plant that supplies products to China, but in fact, it had not yet been built. In the company of the responsible person, we were told that information about exports is planned indicators. Later, according to the media, the production in question turned out to be in an administrative building.
In September, Krasnoyarsk farmers engaged in rapeseed cultivation stated that they were on the verge of bankruptcy. Export duties suddenly increased nearly fivefold - up to 30%.
"The Ministry of Agriculture uses a systematic approach based on budget replenishment, which does not contribute to the stimulation and development of agriculture," noted Arkady Zlochevsky, the president of the Russian Grain Union, in his statement for Business FM.