Unused long-arable lands as a result of the implementation of the food and land policies

Issue № 9, 2018, article № 8, pages 67-82

Section: Land use and land relations

Language: Russian

Original language title: НЕИСПОЛЬЗУЕМЫЕ СТАРОПАХОТНЫЕ ЗЕМЛИ КАК РЕЗУЛЬТАТ ОСУЩЕСТВЛЕНИЯ ПРОДОВОЛЬСТВЕННОЙ И ЗЕМЕЛЬНОЙ ПОЛИТИКИ

Keywords: UNUSED ARABLE LAND, WITHDRAWAL OF LAND FROM AGRICULTURAL USE, REDUCTION OF CULTIVATED AREA, LAND POLICY, AGRICULTURE IN THE NON-CHERNOZEM REGION, STATE SUPPORT OF AGRICULTURE

Abstract: Dynamic growth of agricultural production and involvement of unused agricultural land into it in the Southern and the Central-Chernozem region of the Russian Federation is in a sharp contrast with the Northern and the Non-chernozem regions in which occurs long-lasting degradation of rural territories. Prolongation of absence of state’s attention to problems of these depressive territories leads to an overgrowth of agricultural land, a deterior a-tion of soil fertility, an intensification of the negative demographic situation, depopulation of rural areas and to a deterioration of the social and engineering infrastructure. Low domestic demand does not allow agricultural organizations to develop without government intervention. Comparing with the eighties agricultural production volume was halved. There is a significant deficiency in livestock and dairy farming in Russia to date, while land potential in the Southern part of country is almost depleted. Agroclimatic conditions of the Non-chernozem region are suitable for livestock breeding and organic farming. Therefore, in order to prevent further deterioration of rural areas and to ensure food security of the country, it is necessary to adjust the existing state policy concerning the North and the Nonchernozem regions. The key measures should include: an increase of state support for agricultural production; an increase of domestic demand by supporting the poor; the development of investment programs on the basis ofprefer-ential provision of land; the establishment of agriculture cooperation; measures to ensure equitable access to markets for agricultural participants; strengthening of control over the quality of agricultural products; the transition to civilized land relations (improvement of the cadastre, land management, land market and land accessibility for locals and investors).

Authors: Polunin Gennadii Andreevich, Alakoz Valerii Vladimirovich, CHerkashin Kirill Igorevich