The directors of the Russian state agricultural leasing company, Rosagroleasing, discussed the company’s performance in January through September 2010.

They approved new administrative methods, in particular in their relations with suppliers of agricultural vehicles and equipment, and the decision to stop signing supply agreements through intermediary firms.

The directors approved working out a new schedule for leasing vehicles and equipment stored under custody agreements to agricultural producers.

They emphasised the need to come to terms with contractors who carry outstanding debt the company has accumulated in the past few years.

“We should analyse the problems of each borrower individually and take measures to recover the debt, and even turn these problems over to law-enforcement agencies if necessary,” Zubkov said.

The company’s consistent efforts to enhance its efficiency have brought the first positive results, the directors said.

Since the beginning of 2010, Rosagroleasing has signed agreements to lease agricultural vehicles and equipment worth 11.5 billion roubles and has delivered over 13,500 pedigreed livestock to farms. Over 60% of the cattle supplied by the company were bred in Russia, which is 20% more than in 2009.

“In future, we must ensure a 100% replacement rate of imported dairy cows to Russian farms. Responsible pedigree work must supply quality and highly productive animals to livestock breeding farms,” the first deputy prime minister said.