The Ministry of Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Ecology of the Tula Region has officially set new subsidy rates for potato and vegetable producers. The order, signed by Minister Alexey Stepin and published on the regional legal information portal, grants potato growers ₽10,000 per hectare planted, while open-field vegetable producers will receive only ₽1,600 per hectare—a sixfold difference.
Why the Focus on Potato Farming?
The subsidy program aims to support agrotechnological development, improve environmental safety, and enhance soil fertility. Given the rising global demand for potatoes—388 million tons produced worldwide in 2023 (FAO)—and Russia’s position as the third-largest potato producer (22.5 million tons in 2023, Rosstat), the Tula Region’s policy aligns with broader agricultural trends.
Potatoes also offer higher profit margins per hectare compared to many vegetables. According to Agroinvestor, the average profitability of potato farming in Central Russia ranges between 25-40%, whereas open-field vegetables like carrots or cabbage often yield 15-25%.
Economic and Environmental Benefits
The increased subsidies may encourage farmers to shift toward potato production, reducing reliance on imports. Russia currently imports ~1.2 million tons of potatoes annually (IndexBox, 2024), and boosting domestic output could strengthen food security.
Additionally, modern potato farming techniques, such as precision agriculture and drip irrigation, can further increase yields while maintaining soil health—a key requirement for subsidy eligibility.
With substantially higher subsidies and strong market demand, potato farming in the Tula Region presents a more profitable opportunity than other open-field vegetables. Farmers and agronomists should consider optimizing their crop strategies to take advantage of these incentives while adopting sustainable practices to meet subsidy criteria.
