PM Mishustin considers it important for Russia's food security not to neglect genetics, seed raising

ALANIA. May 5 (Interfax) - The Russian authorities are doing much to ensure domestic food security, though it is important not to neglect genetics and seed raising when ensuring food security, Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin sasid.

Mishustin visited the Kazachy Khutor enterprise, which specializes in growing apples, during a working trip to the Republic of North Ossetia-Alania, where he visited the production facility and became familiar with developing the region's fruit and berry industry.

"Much is currently being done in order to ensure food security in the country, though we must not neglect genetics and seed raising. Antonovka and Zhigulevskoye are without a doubt our most popular apple varieties, though most varieties must be Russian of course. This is a very laborious, complicated process. We are working on this," Mishustin said.

Russia has been able to form a corresponding national project on food security that was possible owing to the partitioning of national development goals, he said.

"I really do hope that we achieve all the goals set in nearly all areas, including raising apples and berries," Mishustin said.

Mishustin also drew attention to Russia nearly reaching self-sufficiency in apples in 2028 at approximately 2.5 million tonnes.

"It is very great that all this is grown in Russia," he said.