First Deputy Prime Minister Viktor Zubkov visited the K A Timiryazev Russian State Agrarian University, where he took part in celebrations marking the Day of Knowledge.

"The modernisation of our country's agriculture system is impossible without a high quality professional education. New equipment, technology and modern management styles require highly educated specialists," the First Deputy Prime Minister said to an audience of students and tutors at the University.

"This University by rights is considered the leading institution in the country in training people to work in the agro-industrial complex. Innovative educational programmes are in practice here. Systems are created that help new graduates find good jobs using their specialism," the First Deputy Prime Minister continued.

Mr Zubkov said another key goal for agricultural universities was raising the standards of education to meet the needs of agro-business.

The First Deputy Prime Minister said he was certain that the creation of specialised small businesses attached to the Universities would aid in the resolution of these issues. "This Presidential Initiative will be implemented in Universities specialising in agriculture in the near future", Mr Zubkov said.