Problems in creating and developing an agrarian market.

摘要

During the 1990s, preference was given to the creation and development of an agrarian market on the basis of the maximum liberalization of economic interrelationships, above all of the price system. However, this led to the breakdown of inter- and intra-sector relationships, a worsening of the disparity between the prices of agricultural machinery and agricultural produce, and a general deficit situation in the whole industry. A key factor in restoring the position of agriculture is the role of thestate as a market regulator, primarily by economic methods, but also by establishing a sound juridical base, correct planning, harmonization of relationships throughout agriculture and resolution of existing social problems. Progress in various areas (Voronezh, Rostov, Volgograd, Orel, Belgorod and Tyumen' oblast's) is cited as an indication of how the development of an integrated system of agricultural production, processing and marketing can flourish on a competitive, multi-layer approach, at the regional level. It is emphasized that the development of a fully national system is severely hampered by the continuous rise in energy prices, including fuel for transportation, which makes zonal product specialization almost impossible. An interregional system of produce exchange is essential for supplying high-quality produce throughout the country. Other necessary measures include: the creation of viable institutions capable of managing all policy aspects of the agrofood sector; a new system for directing social aspects; the need for shareholders in agrarian enterprises to take a longer-term view, even though short-term income would be reduced; stabilization of the tax system; and modification of the financing and credit system to alleviate the threatof bankruptcy (80% of all agricultural enterprises currently operate at a loss), including establishment of special credit funds at favourable interest rates to aid production and marketing.