From year to year Ukraine has been increasing budget support for agricultural enterprises, Prime Minister Mykola Azarov told a Cabinet meeting on Wednesday.

"UAH 8.6 billion, or 1.4 times up on 2009, is provided in the 2012 state budget for the development of agro-industrial enterprises," the Prime Minister said.

On top he pointed out that the programs of government support for agricultural production must work both in support of large and small scale production, including private farms. In particular, according to Azarov, prospects for the development of industrial production of grain in Ukraine are very large. "But in order to use the potential of our land in full, much more needs to be done," he stressed.

The Prime Minister also noted that the provision of state support for farmers is not a one-time event, but a long-term program. This is, in particular, the payment of subsidies for growing young cattle, the system of encouraging the creation of modern vegetable and fruit storages, as well as greenhouses.

"I am pleased to note the optimistic mood among the people with whom I met, and their understanding that the Government is consistently implementing its programs of support on a long term basis," Mykola Azarov said, talking about his working trips to Zhytomyr region, the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and Sevastopol. "Farmers feel that the government has put this support on a long-term basis. We have no right to let them down," he added.


 

Ukrinform