Participants of the meeting analysed the implementation of the federal targeted programme "Preservation and Restoration of Soil Fertility in 2006-2012," as well as the programme's expansion until 2020, including land amelioration.

"The results of measures implemented under the Programme in 2006-2010 underscore its effectiveness and the fact that it is in great demand," Viktor Zubkov said while opening the meeting.

Eight of the Programme's 13 key parameters have been met and even exceeded during its implementation. Notably, 3.9 million hectares of farmlands have been preserved, and over 3.5 million hectares of land have been reclaimed. Over 10 million tonnes of mineral fertilisers have been used. In the past five years, 257 billion roubles have been spent on the programme, including 41 billion roubles' worth of budgetary allocations and 166 billion roubles from extra-budgetary sources.

"As a result, it has been decided to extend the duration of the federal targeted programme to 2013. The 2010 drought highlights the need to modify the programme's priorities and mechanisms in 2011-2013 – first of all, in regard to land amelioration. Supplements directed towards subsidies of loan interest rates during the purchase of land amelioration equipment have been introduced. Starting in 2012, mechanisms for the compensation of up to 50% of expenses for the creation and modernisation of land amelioration systems will be introduced per the directive of Prime Minister Vladimir Putin. The Ministry of Agriculture should also chart new approaches and mechanisms, with incentives for regions, the owners of land plots and irrigation systems, and affiliated businesses that promote the introduction of advanced irrigation systems, humidity-saving and resource-conserving farming technologies, the protection of fields, and an optimal range of forms and methods of chemical land reclamation," said Mr Zubkov.

"The implementation of the Programme in 2011-2013 should facilitate a range of measures to ensure more cost-effective use of farmlands under the state programme to expand the agro-industrial complex and commodity and food markets in 2013-2020," he added.

In 2011-2013, there are plans to build and reconstruct 181 land reclamation facilities, preserve over 2.5 million hectares of farmlands, and use about nine million tonnes of mineral fertilisers.

Commission members also examined a draft strategy to expand selection and seed-farming submitted by the Ministry of Agriculture. They discussed the practical aspects of producing high-quality seeds and distributing them in 2011-2013 and until 2020, the role of regional support in this aspect of agriculture, and improving the legislative base of the seed-farming sector. After the discussion, it was decided to instruct the Ministry of Agriculture to revise the draft document and to include its main points in the state programme to expand the agro-industrial complex in 2013-2020.

In concluding the meeting, commission members discussed measures to eradicate African swine plague. During the discussion, Mr Zubkov instructed the Ministry of Agriculture to promptly coordinate a new version of the law "On Veterinary Services" and to submit the document to the government for consideration.