November 2, 2009
Russia to increase pork production 35 percent by 2012
Russia plans to increase pork production by 700,000 tonnes, or 35 percent by 2012, according to the draft sectoral programme of pig breeding development in Russia for 2010-12, which was discussed during a recent meeting of the government.
According to the First Vice-Prime Minister Viktor Zubkov, the main indicator of the programme is the volume of production. By 2012, it is seen to reach 2.7 million tonnes, a 35-percent increase compared to 2008.
Zubkov said that the mechanism of the programme is a public-private partnership with most of the funds invested by private investors, adding that this will help to launch nearly 31 pig complexes this year, including 14 new pig breeding facilities.
Speaking about the current situation in the Russian pork market, he said that the share of domestic products in this year accounts for 80 percent of total pork volumes compared to 71 percent in 2008.
During the last nine months of the year, the level of pork production increased by nearly 100,000 tonnes.
Zubkov said figures are still insufficient to guarantee the replacement of imports, adding that the key is not just the replacement of imports in the domestic market but also to take steps in order to start pork exports abroad.
