December 13, 2010

Russian meat, poultry production to show increase this year

Despite the severe drought, Russian meat and poultry production will increase by 6.5 % to 10.6 million tonnes in 2010.

Production reached 7.8 million tonnes in January-October, or 6.7% more than the same period last year, said Agriculture Minister Yelena Skrynnik.

A 38% slump in the grain harvest in 2010 resulted in a 4.6% drop in the supply of feedstuff, to about 2,070kg per animal from 2,170kg, the minister said.

The ministry is developing the country's livestock farming strategy through 2020 and plans to set a meat and poultry output goal of 15.6 million tonnes by then. Exports will reach 600,000 tonnes, Skrynnik said.