Mongolia Expects More Harvest This Year

Written by Ch.Sumiyabazar
Tuesday, August 18, 2009.



Mongolia’s main agricultural region, Selenge province, is expected to harvest 210,000 metric tons of crops this year alone compared to last year’s nationwide figure of 200,000 tons of crop thanks to the Government’s agro-promotion campaign Atar-III.

Prime Minister S.Bayar last week visited the northern province to get introduced with preparation works of the nearing harvesting season that starts from August 25 to October 1.

Two years ago, Mongolian agricultural farmers supplied 25 percent of its own domestic needs of wheat, a little progress of the agro industry after the complete collapse of socialist regime, during which Mongolia used to supply 100 percent of its domestic needs of wheat, potatoes and vegetables.

Last year, fifty percent of the domestic needs of wheat has been supplied by domestic farmers, while other half is relied on import from foreign country.

“This year 75 percent of local demands for wheat and vegetables will be supplied by our local farmers,” cabinet head said in Nomgon valley of Selenge aimag.

“By 2010, Mongolia will supply 100 percent of its own domestic needs with its home-grown wheat and vegetables,” Bayar said.

The Government will purchase a minimum of 150,000 metric tons of wheat from farmers for a state reserve fund for the use of next year’s seeding. Purchase price is currently under talks with the farmers and flour makers.

There are 1,084 business entities and individuals got registered in agricultural farming industry, around 30 of them are large private companies that have more than 3,000 hectares of land each.

Source