Program for developing North Caucasus agricultural sector may be drafted by year's end - Russian Agriculture Ministry

MINERALNYE VODY. May 26 (Interfax) - The Agriculture Ministry expects to finalize development of a program for the North Caucasus's agricultural sector by the end of 2025, Deputy Agriculture Minister Andrei Razin said.

"We have been tasked with taking a closer look at the development strategy of the North Caucasus region in terms of production indicators and engaging labor resources in the agricultural sector's production objectives. We are very hopeful that such a program document will be ready by the end of this year, including adjustments to state support measures based on the region's specifics," Razin said during the session "The Agricultural Caucasus: Unlocking Investment Potential" at the Caucasus Investment Forum on Monday.

The North Caucasus is one of the key regions for the agricultural sector. The North Caucasus in particular has potential in seed production, Razin said.

"In a number of areas, we see very promising prospects. I would particularly highlight the North Caucasus's potential in seed production. We are closely monitoring the development of the North Caucasus and believe that its potential has not yet been fully realized. There are clear opportunities for intensifying production and expanding deep processing, primarily in the fruit and berry sector, and we will certainly work on this," he said.

Unlocking the North Caucasus' potential in agriculture will enable the implementation of several investment projects over the next 10 years, Razin said.