News

Data from the Russian Ministry of Agriculture was presented at the All-Russian Agronomic Conference, which brought together representatives of federal executive bodies, regional agricultural authorities, scientific institutions, educational organizations, and agricultural enterprises. The Penza Oblast was represented by Deputy Chairman of the Regional Government and Minister of Agriculture Roman Kalentyev.
Key topics included 2024 crop production results and preparations for the 2025 agricultural season.
Oksana Lut, Minister of Agriculture of the Russian Federation, highlighted key achievements and strategic goals.
"Preliminary data indicates 128 million tons of grain production, with final figures from Rosstat expected in March. We anticipate reaching 130 million tons, aligning with our initial forecast," she stated.
She also reported that Russia produced 30 million tons of oilseeds in 2024, including 4.7 million tons of rapeseed and 7 million tons of soybeans.
For 2025, the Russian Ministry of Agriculture has allocated 18.7 billion rubles for preferential short-term loans, which is 1.2 billion rubles more than in 2024. Applications for potential borrowers seeking these loans will be accepted starting February 3, 2025.
"Despite unfavorable weather conditions, Penza farmers exceeded long-term average crop production levels in 2024 and achieved their targets. The region harvested 2.6 million tons of grain, marking a twofold increase over the past ten years. Sugar beet production has grown by 800,000 tons (61%), reaching 2.1 million tons. In 2024, the region set a historic record for sugar production, surpassing 400,000 tons for the first time," stated Roman Kalentyev.
In 2024, local agricultural producers purchased: 103 tractors, 55 grain harvesters, 3 forage harvesters, and 330 units of towed agricultural machinery.
For 2025, planned purchases include:
135 tractors
60 grain harvesters
2 forage harvesters
30 seeders
4 sowing complexes
30 cultivators and combination units
20 disc harrows and diskators
20 sprayers
The modernization of the equipment is ongoing, with all targets expected to be met in full.
According to the Russian Ministry of Agriculture, the Penza Oblast ranks among the leaders in mineral fertilizer procurement growth.
To enhance crop yields and ensure high-quality production, Penza agricultural enterprises purchased 114.4 thousand tons of active fertilizer ingredients in 2024, an increase of 38% over 2023.
"For the 2025 harvest, we have already accumulated 44.9 thousand tons of active fertilizer ingredients, representing 53% of our target. Farmers continue to actively procure the necessary volumes of mineral fertilizers," concluded the Minister of Agriculture of the Penza Oblast.
Photo and information provided by the Ministry of Agriculture of the Penza Oblast.