Russia to increase grain production both intensively, extensively - Dvorkovich
SOCHI. Nov 18 (Interfax) - Russia will increase the production of grain both by intensive and extensive means, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Arkady Dvorkovich said during a business breakfast as part of the Second World Grain Forum in Sochi on Friday.
"Now production is within 120 million tonnes [the Agriculture Ministry's forecast for this year is 117 million tonnes], potential is up to 150 million tonnes, in the next ten years we may increase production using both intensive and extensive methods," the deputy prime minister said.
Among the growth factors, he named the improvement of technology, the improvement of agricultural land management, the increase of technological opportunities for Russian companies.
"Before us is a very long road, but it is possible to walk along it," he said. "We are hoping that all these factors will play a positive role on the Russian market."
Dvorkovich also said that as part of cooperation with the UN's global food program, Russia will continue to help other countries. "At the forum we will be ready to discuss all possible ways of cooperation, we have a special responsibility for our neighbors, we are supporting Armenia, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan in the development of agriculture," he said.
"We will continue to do this," Dvorkovich said.