Russia to eliminate tomatoes shortage in 5 years - agriculture ministry

Russia will fully close shortage of tomatoes in Russia by domestic production in 4-5 years, Agriculture Minister Alexander Tkachev said.

"We laid the base of 50 greenhouse facilities owing to the investment program and subsidies. Just 4-5 years more and we will fully eliminate the deficit," the minister stressed, adding that production of vegetables will stay flat in annual terms this year.

According to Tkachev, Russia will also be able to completely substitute the market of apples, pears and grapes in five years.

"Gardens making area will be above 15 thousand hectares as of the year-end and vineyards making area will be over 5 thousand [hectares]. It means we will reach the highest setting rates in the next year, so that to completely substitute the market, especially apples, pears and grapes in five years," TASS cited the minister as saying.