Investments in the Russian pork industry could reach $7,2 billion

03-08-2011 | Home | News

The total investments in the Russian pork industry over the next five years could reach 200 billion rubles ($7.2 bln) experts say.

If the risk of further spread of African Swine Fever is eliminated, pork production within the five years will increase by 800-900 thousand tonnes in carcass weight, predicts general director of the National Union of Pig Breeders, Yuri Kovalev.

“More than 200 billion rubles ($7.2 bln) has been invested in pig farming during the last five years. And approximately the same amount is about to be invested over the next five years,” he added. It has been calculated that from 2005 to 2010 inclusive, pork production in Russia increased by 800 thousand tonnes in carcass weight. “And during the next five years we also plan to increase production output by another 800-900 thousand tonnes”, said Kovalev.

“But if African swine Fever further spreads, the investment can go to some other industry,” added the expert. As representatives of Rosselkhoznadzor reported on Tuesday, the epizootic situation concerning African Swine Fever is still very serious. Since the beginning of the year in different regions of Russia 26 virus outbreaks has been registered, the last one in the Tver region.

“Now is it very important to prevent the virus outbreak in the Belgorod region, where almost a quarter of all pigs is accumulated in Russia. So the dangerous virus here is a threat,” said in the official statement of Rosselkhoznadzor.

(By Vladislav Vorotnikov)