OREANDA-NEWS  The trade turnover of agricultural products between Russia and Abkhazia has increased by 17%, President of Abkhazia Badra Gunba said at a meeting with Russian Agriculture Minister Oksana Lut.

Speaking about investments, Gunba drew attention to the fact that in addition to government support, private investments, including from Russia, have begun to flow into the republic in recent years.

"The Rosselkhoznadzor is also involved in the program of preferential loans to Abkhazian farmers. From January to November of this year, the trade turnover of agricultural products between the two countries increased by 17% compared to the same period last year. Russian exports to the republic increased by 20%," he stressed.

It was noted at the meeting that Russia mainly supplies soft drinks, sausages, flour, bakery and confectionery products to the market of Abkhazia. Abkhazia supplies citrus fruits, hazelnuts, sauces, wines and other products to Russia.

"Russia is ready to supply Abkhazia with all the necessary products in the required volumes. This also applies to mineral fertilizers, which are needed by the republic for the development of the agricultural sector," Oksana Lut said in turn.

The Russian Ministry of Agriculture clarified that the turnover of agricultural products between Russia and Abkhazia increased by 17% year-on-year in 11 months, including Russian exports increased by 20%.

At a meeting with the Minister of Agriculture of Abkhazia, Beslan Jopua, it was noted that one of the key areas of joint work could be the breeding of fruit crops, primarily tangerines. In addition, there are good prospects for the creation of nurseries and the implementation of breeding programs aimed at increasing plant resistance to climatic factors and diseases.

Abkhazia has a state program for the socio-economic development of the republic, which includes measures in the field of agriculture. Russia is assisting in its implementation, according to the Russian Ministry of Agriculture.