The Caucasus will feed Russia

The amount of fruit and vegetables grown in the North Caucasus republics may double or treble from the current 5-8% to 15% by 2020, Minister for the North Caucasus Lev Kuznetsov said at a press conference.

"We used to say earlier: 'Stop feeding the Caucasus.' We have now formulated a new task: the Caucasus will feed Russia. Obviously, not only the Caucasus will be among the key suppliers," the minister added, noting that the farmers of the North Caucasus in Russia can deliver vegetables, fruit, corn, and the strategic development of the region aimed at creating additional capacities, including agricultural."

"We have set the task of our vegetables: fruits, especially apples, as well as corn could take 15% of Russia's market. And this is realistic. We will aim to achieve the maximum result by this period of time. Now it is about 5-8%,'' Tass cites Kuznetsov as saying.

In an interview with a correspondent of Vestnik Kavkaza, the Academician, member of the Academic Council of RANHiGS, PhD Elmira Krylatykh, expressed confidence that it was quite realistic to achieve at least a two-fold increase in the share of fruit and vegetables for the farmers of the North Caucasus.

"I don't know how significant the planting of new gardens was, because this growth will contain trees that had already been planted. But in principle I think it is not an adventurous idea. It may be very real and required."

"The North Caucasus region is the best that can do it. So I am more optimistic, rather than skeptical,'' the academician assured.

With regard to the demand for agricultural products of the North Caucasus on Russian markets, the expert believes that it has large competitive advantages, which will determine the demand for it. It's quality and relatively low transport costs.

"I do not see any obstacles that could make the products less competitive than the ones that we had or come from other countries – on the contrary, there are some competitive advantages. And we as consumers will be glad of this remarkable product. Of course, it is just necessary to do this, intensively, not to talk, and landing techniques, cleaning. Then, maybe after all to increase the amount of processing. So I wish you success in this business,'' Elmira Krylatykh concluded.

The Director of the Center for Agricultural and Food Policy RANHiGS, Natalia Shagaida, said in an interview with a VK correspondent that when such statements are made by an official it is expected that this production would be grown in any agricultural enterprises, or large farms.