June 17 2005, 14:17

Rates of agricultural production growth in Russia are very low - Putin

President of Russian Federation Vladimir Putin stated on June 17 that agricultural production increase in 2004 made 1.6 percent, which is notably lower compared to rates of economy increase in general. According to his words, it is a notification to the government that it should turn to the problems of agriculture.

According to the data of Russian Statistics Committee, 2004 gross output of Russia increased 7.1 percent, volume of industrial production - 6.1 percent.

In addition Vladimir Putin stated that Russia was unfortunately greatly dependant on meat imports. Last year prices in meat sector in Russia increased by 40 percent.

President Putin highlighted the problems of Russia's agriculture, particularly those of meat sector. He also said that the government is ready to take measures to defend domestic producers. And these measures will not run counter to the consumers' needs.