Russia possessed 10 percent of the world’s productive agricultural land, where only 2 percent of the world’s total population leave. “It is clear that such disproportion could lead to deplorable results if the authorities don’t realize that land is a renewable resource, and support it,” Gordeyev said.

He said Russia’s agricultural production had stopped falling, though many problems remained, among them low living standards in rural areas and a worsening demographic situation.

Carrying out an agricultural census, for the first time since 1920, would help the government review its agricultural policy, Gordeyev said. It would also provide necessary data for addressing problems faced by rural administrative districts – that’s about two thirds of Russian territories.

The minister expressed hope that the census would help develop a new policy on farmers and private plots of land, producing half of agricultural supplies in the country. About RUR 5.5 billion will be needed to conduct the census, scheduled for next year.

Gordeyev stressed the need to support farmers and local agricultural producers. He said their needs would be addressed in next year’s budget, and called for developing a large-scale and detailed program.

The official added that his ministry would submit proposals for support of cattle leasing and rural housing programs in the 2006 budget.