World Bank Documents and Reports on Agriculture and Rural Development
• Documents and Reports Database
• World Bank Online Bookstore: Agriculture and Rural Development

In an appropriate policy and institutional environment there is no question that Russian agriculture could prosper and make a substantial contribution to the national and global economy. Its productive potential is enormous, first, because its area is huge. In addition, the fertility of its soils, its climate in many areas, and its human capital combine to make its capacity for efficient production among the greatest of any country in the world. Income growth in agriculture could play a key role in alleviating increasing poverty in rural areas, where living standards have plummeted. Through increased technical and economic efficiency, Russia should be able to restore its position as a major producer and even exporter of many crops, and thereby integrate itself into world food markets.