AgricultureLivestock FarmingLivestock farming is the principal branch of agriculture in the Udmurt Republic; it contributes about 60 per cent to Udmurtia’s gross regional product and 85 per cent to its receipts. The state of agriculture, in the end, defines the level of the efficiency of the agricultural complex. Traditional branches of livestock farming are developed in the Udmurt Republic: cattle, pig and bird farming. The contribution of sheep farming, fishery, horse farming, fur farming and bee-farming to the total amount of livestock produced in Udmurtia is insignificant. Dynamics of livestock farming output in 2000-2007 Meat, 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 live weight, 122.8 127.5 132.5 136.1 133.8 137.5 143.1 thousand tons Milk, thousand tons 568.9 602.3 611.1 601.1 629.8 666.5 675.1 Eggs, million pcs 586.6 645.9 658.2 696.2 747.4 811.9 808.9 The black spotted cow is the principal breed of cattle raised in the Udmurt Republic. It occupies a leading place among other breeds (70 %) by the number of cows and their productivity. There are 11 pig raising complexes and specialized enterprises in the republic, where thoroughbred pigs are raised: Large White, Duroc, Urzhum, Landrace, Yorkshire. A new breed producing larger meat yield and called Tuklinskaya was developed in Udmurtia. Also, Udmurt agriculturalists developed a new early-maturing breed of sheep called Sovetskaya, of the mutton-and-wool variety. Much attention is paid to the development of poultry farming as birds are early maturing animals, five poultry farms specialize in egg production, and one in broiler production. Udmurtia’s relief, soil and climate provide good conditions for developing a diversified agriculture and fully satisfying its needs in staple foodstuffs. Crop FarmingSod-podzol soil prevails in the Udmurt Republic. Agricultural land constitutes 1.9 million hectares, including 1.4 million hectares of arable land. Grain crops, potatoes, vegetables (grown both outdoors and under cover), fiber flax and fodder crops are the chief crops cultivated in the republic. Grain production is very important for the republic’s economy. However, due to the fact that Udmurtia is located in the area of risk farming, crop capacity and yields of grain are unstable. Total grain production, thousands tons 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 596.1 835.7 764.7 749.7 490.3 569.7 567.5 556.4 Fiber flax has traditionally been cultivated in Udmurtia since ancient times. Today Of the 25 flax-cultivating regions in the Russian Federation Udmurtia holds the first place in the crop area, the republic is a leader in crop capacity and volumes of flax production in the Volga Federal District. The flax industry in the Udmurt Republic is characterized by a wide integration of agricultural organizations with local factories that results in a complete production cycle, from growing fiber flax to its industrial processing. Food and Food Processing IndustriesThere are 11 large milk production enterprises, 7 meat packing plants, 10 food processing factories, 9 large bakeries and 5 grain processing enterprises in the republic. Dairy factories produce whole milk and low-fat products, cheese, butter, imitation milk products, condensed and dry milk, buttermilk and ice cream. Over recent years they have mastered production of cultured dairy foods enriched with bifid bacteria, bio-yogurts with varying content of fat, and other products with therapeutic qualities. The assortment of meat products is constantly expanding. Udmurt enterprises offer new types of premium class sausages, raw smoked sausages and delicacies. Food-processing enterprises provide the population of the Udmurt Republic with a wide range of high-quality food products, such as confectionery, macaroni foods and bread, vinegar, mayonnaise, yeast, bear, mineral water and soft drinks, mustard, etc. Today one can boldly assert that Udmurt enterprises have the potential for operating on international markets, as their products meet the criteria of nutritious and health food. |