The formation of a multi-structural market economy in the agriculture of the Republic of Dagestan

摘要

Dagestan's agriculture has been affected by the Russian Federation's general economic crisis. Between 1991 and 1997 its cropping area decreased by 86 000 ha. Despite various proposals for State support, there is no general development concept. Dagestan's limited area and terrain have historically been its main agricultural problem. It is essential to give the farming community a greater sense of a stake in the land without its necessarily becoming an object of purchase and sale. Corporate farms' share of production has fallen to only 34.3% despite their occupying over 96% of the land. Private subsidiary holdings, however, now contribute 61.3% of production, particularly potatoes, vegetables, meat, and milk, all without State support. Larger familyfarms, of which some 17 000 were established during 1991-97, constitute 6.4% of such holdings in the Federation, although they are considerably smaller than elsewhere. They are seriously short of equipment, but still utilise resources better than corporate farms and would contribute more to production given proper support. The corporate farms, nevertheless, remain the only bulk producers of cereals, grapes, and other field crops, and need to be developed. Unfortunately the voluntary principle has not been sufficiently observed in their reorganisation.