Russia has long been a country of endless forests, boundless fields and beautiful landscapes. The natural we alth of our Motherland is truly enormous. And of course, you need to know how to use them correctly. For this purpose, there is a special intersectoral complex. The most important task of the Russian agro-industrial complex (AIC) is the preservation and renewal of natural resources. To do this, you need to use them in industry with the least damage to the environment. At the same time, it is necessary to satisfy the various needs of the entire population of the Russian Federation. So what is APC and what is its structure?
Agro-industrial complex is an important intersectoral complex of the Russian Federation. It combines the production, processing and transportation (that is, bringing to the consumer) agricultural products. Such products include products of plant and animal origin, as well as various auxiliary elements for the production of these products (for example, fertilizers, combined feed,agricultural equipment).
The agro-industrial complex in Russia is one of the main ones, as it provides its inhabitants with food. The main task of the agro-industrial complex is the production of food products, as well as light industry products. What is included in its composition?
Composition of the APK
The agro-industrial complex consists of three closely interconnected parts, or links. Let's take a closer look at each of them.
The first link is the foundation of the agro-industrial complex
Without it, the development of this complex is virtually impossible. The first link provides the economy with everything that is necessary for agro-industrial production. The main link of the agro-industrial complex equips it, first of all, with machinery and equipment. Agricultural machinery is extremely diverse. These are tractors, and seeders, and combines for various purposes, and equipment for land reclamation and reclamation, etc.
Also, the first link provides the complex with fertilizers and pesticides (for example, biopesticides, insecticides, desiccants). Without these substances, the organization of crop production is impossible. Therefore, this link of the agro-industrial complex is the basis for the existence and development of agriculture.
Without the main link, animal husbandry (or cattle breeding) is also impossible, since various combined feeds are needed to feed livestock.
However, it is in this link that the most important problems of the agro-industrial complex of Russia are revealed. These include:
- soil compaction that occurs inmainly due to the sheer mass of agricultural machines that compact them;
- not enough types of produced equipment;
- high equipment prices with low quality;
- lack of agricultural mechanization;
- a significant number of unprofitable farms and individual farms.
So, the first link of the agro-industrial complex is engaged in the production of machinery, fertilizers and pesticides, animal feed.
Second link - agriculture
The most important part of the complex, its basis. However, the area of agricultural land in Russia is only 13% of the country's territory (≈223 million hectares). Agriculture is very different from other industries.
Firstly, natural conditions have a decisive influence on agriculture. So, it depends on climatic conditions, relief, water regime of the territories, etc. It is worth noting that the natural conditions on the vast territory of the Russian Federation are extremely diverse. In this regard, the features of agriculture in Russia depend on the specific area.
Secondly, agriculture uses the land and the many living organisms that depend on it. From this it follows that this link of the agro-industrial complex exists and develops, taking into account the biological foundations for the development of living beings. The main subject of labor of the second link of the complex is plants and animals.
Thirdly, agricultural activities are distinguished by such a feature as the seasonality of production. That is, agricultural products (with the exception of some) are different depending on the season. This feature, as well as natural conditions on the territory of Russia, is heterogeneous. Therefore, production is concentrated in areas whose natural conditions are most suitable for them.
The most important feature of the second link of the agro-industrial complex of the Russian Federation is its division into two main sectors: agriculture and animal husbandry. Let's analyze each of them.
Agriculture (plant growing)
Agriculture of the Russian Federation has a rather complex composition. This is due to differences in the natural conditions of the Russian territories, as well as to the diversity of plants. However, of the two branches of the agro-industrial complex, crop production is more developed. Thus, the territories occupied by arable land are larger than those occupied by pastures. In addition, arable land is better protected from the effects of adverse natural conditions. Therefore, only 58% of their territories need additional protection. Nevertheless, 20% of Russian lands are subject to waterlogging and waterlogging, 18% to salinization, 23% to water and wind erosion, and up to 77% to drought. In each region of our country there are departments of the agro-industrial complex, the main task of which is to control the state of agricultural land and take timely measures to protect them.
Despite the vast territories of the Russian Federation, arable land occupies only 7% of them (≈120 million hectares).
The basis of agriculture is field cultivation, engaged ingrain farming. Cultivated field crops are divided into spring (sown in spring) and winter (sown in autumn). The share of the Russian Federation in world grain production is only 3%. What crops are grown in the field?
Wheat
The most common culture in Russia. Wheat makes up more than 50% of the grain crops. It is quite demanding on climatic conditions. It requires warm temperatures and non-acidic soils. Therefore, the departments of the agro-industrial complex in the regions of Russia exercise control over the sowing of wheat in favorable conditions for it. Wheat is divided into spring and winter. The yield of winter crops is higher, but in Russia, due to its harsh climate, spring crops are preferred. Its crops are carried out in the steppe zone of the Urals, the Volga region and Siberia. Winter wheat is grown in areas not affected by severe frosts (Central Black Earth region of Russia, northern Caucasus).
Barley
Widely widespread in Russia, the culture ranks second in terms of collection (~20%). Unlike wheat, barley is undemanding to temperatures and soils. It can tolerate both low and high temperatures; grows well in acidic soils. Barley, along with winter wheat, is grown in the Central Black Earth region of the country, in the north of the Caucasus, as well as in the Volga region. It is interesting that pearl barley is made from it, which is similar in color to river pearls. Barley porridge is made from processed barley.
Rye
Also a very popular grain crop. The collection of rye is a smaller part compared to previous crops. Like barley, it tolerates various temperatures and can grow in acidic soils. Rye, as a crop necessary for the constant nutrition of people, is grown in the middle zone of the country. Its crops are significant in the European part of Russia. Black and gray bread, as well as other flour products, are baked from rye flour.
Among grain crops, the following can also be distinguished:
- millet;
- corn;
- rice;
- buckwheat.
Another important branch of crop production is the cultivation of industrial crops. They are used as the main or auxiliary raw materials in various industries (mainly in light and food). For the cultivation of industrial crops, significant labor costs are used, therefore their crops and the enterprises of the agro-industrial complex necessary for this are located in compact centers. What cultures can be distinguished in this category?
First of all, these are crops used in light industry. The textile industry occupies a significant place here, in which the following plants are used:
- cotton;
- fiber flax;
- jute;
- hemp (for hemp).
Industrial crops are also used in the food industry. Among them, melons, oil plants, as well assugar beet. Oilseeds include:
- sunflower;
- soy;
- mustard;
- rapeseed;
- peanuts;
- cocoa;
- oil palm.
For the accumulation of oil or sugar in fruits, a dry and hot climate is needed (especially in the warm season). In addition, such crops are demanding on soils and cannot tolerate their acidity. Therefore, oilseeds and sugar beets are concentrated in the Central Black Earth region of Russia and the North Caucasus.
Crop production also includes the cultivation of various vegetables. For example:
- potatoes (~ 90% of crops);
- beets;
- carrot;
- cabbage;
- radish;
- bow;
- pumpkin;
- eggplant and others.
The major branches of crop production are horticulture and viticulture. They are concentrated in the southern regions of our country.
Livestock
Pastures make up approximately 6% of the entire territory of Russia. At the same time, about 95% of them need additional protection from adverse natural conditions, in carrying out land reclamation measures. In the agro-industrial complex of Russia, there are several branches of animal husbandry. Check out some of them.
Cattle breeding (cattle breeding)
This industry ranks first in terms of livestock. It also gives the largest volume of production. Cattle are primarily cows. Livestock is divided into two types:dairy (juicy feed is used) and meat (roughage and concentrates are used). Livestock breeding in Russia is widespread. Dairy cattle breeding is concentrated in the European part of the country (mainly the north and northwest), and meat cattle breeding is concentrated in the steppe zone of the Urals, the Volga region, Siberia and the European South.
Pig breeding
A widespread livestock industry. It is worth noting that pigs are practically omnivores, so they do not need a special food base. Also, pigs do not need pasture. In this regard, pig farms are located mainly in the suburbs of large cities, where animals eat food waste. It is also not uncommon to locate pig farms close to fields where crops or vegetables are grown.
Sheep breeding
The universal livestock industry. From sheep, meat, high-quality wool, as well as sheepskin - sheepskin are obtained. In addition, they are considered very unpretentious animals: they tolerate grazing on the slopes of the mountains, constant maintenance in pastures, and can eat plants that are unsuitable for other animals. Therefore, for keeping sheep, territories are chosen that are unacceptable for running any other economy. Sheep breeding is divided into fine-wool (fine wool) and sheepskin coat. On the territory of the Russian Federation, sheepskin and fur coat sheep breeding is more common. This is due to the harsh and unstable climate of the Russian territories. Depending on the type of sheep and their ability to live inIn certain climates, sheep breeding is located both in the north and in the center, and in the south of Russia.
Poultry farming
The livestock industry, widespread in Russia everywhere. A large number of workers in the agro-industrial complex are engaged in breeding various types of birds. Chickens, geese, ducks, quails, turkeys, pheasants are bred mainly in areas where grain crops are grown and in the suburbs of large cities. This is due to the fact that birds need a good food base, consisting mostly of various grains. Meat, eggs and feathers are obtained from poultry.
Reindeer herding
This branch of animal husbandry is not very common in Russia. Deer are mainly bred in the Far North of Siberia and the Far East. Such placement of reindeer breeding bases is connected with the fact that these animals feel best in conditions of rather low temperatures. In addition, their food base is primarily mosses and lichens, the distribution of which is the northern territories of the country. Reindeer are bred for meat, skins, valuable antlers, and for use in transportation in the northern territories.
Horse breeding
Horse breeding in Russia, along with reindeer breeding, is not very common. They produce valuable meat, which is part of hard sausages, and mare's milk, which is used in the preparation of koumiss. Horses are also used as a mode of transport (not veryoften) and in sports. Equestrian sport in Russia is quite common, there are various prestigious competitions in it. Even children in many Russian cities can attend sections and classes in equestrian sports and learn this difficult skill. The main areas where horse breeding is located are the south of the European part of Russia and the Urals.
Fur farming
Fur farming is the breeding of fur-bearing animals such as foxes, minks, sables, ermines, beavers and some others. Such animals are bred for valuable skins. The location of fur farming gravitates towards the southern regions of the Russian Federation. However, obtaining animal skins in Russia is carried out in extremely cruel ways. In this regard, various organizations, as well as civilians, organize protest movements against such treatment of animals. To date, there are no visible results of such demonstrations.
In the agro-industrial complexes of the regions of the Russian Federation, other livestock industries are also developed. These include:
- beekeeping;
- goat breeding;
- rabbit breeding;
- fish farming (fishery);
- donkey and mule breeding.
Let's move on to the third link of the agro-industrial complex.
Third link - finished products of the agro-industrial complex
The main essence of the third link in the agro-industrial complex is the procurement, processing and sale of finished products. This link includes light and food industries, trade, as well as public catering.
Food industry
Main taskfood industry - the production of food products and bringing them to the population. Many products undergo industrial processing before direct consumption. In carrying out it, it is necessary to ensure the safety of products and their suitability for consumption. Public catering is part of the food industry, carried out in the agro-industrial complexes of the regions of the Russian Federation.
In the framework of the food industry, there are three groups of industries:
1. Branches of the first group
When placing industries of the first group, they are guided by the areas of production of raw materials. The centers of the agro-industrial complex in this case are guided by the availability of raw materials in certain areas. In addition, when placing them, it is important to take into account the size of the raw material base, which must correspond to the capacity of the installed equipment. The industries of the first group include the sugar, tea, canning, fish, butter and cereal industries.
2. Branches of the second group
Industries of the second group are focused primarily on the consumer. The food in this case has already passed the primary processing. Enterprises of industries of the second group are located directly in cities or towns. These include tea-packing, pasta, baking and confectionery industries.
3. Industries of the third group
A small group that combines industries that focus on both raw materials and the consumer. Such industries include dairy, meat and flour milling.
Light industry
Development of the agro-industrial complex in the area of lightindustry is quite promising. However, there are also certain geographical problems that are associated with the following features:
- significant impact of light industry products on people's lives;
- dependency of other industries on it;
- small enterprise sizes;
- no need for a significant amount of energy and water (that is, when placing enterprises, they do not focus on the location of large energy, water and other resources);
- high percentage of female labor in light industry (up to 80%).
The main light industry is textiles.
Textile industry
The textile industry uses agricultural raw materials obtained by growing industrial crops and breeding domestic animals: cotton, linen, wool, leather, silk. In this regard, light industry is also divided into sub-sectors: cotton, linen, wool and leather. Leather obtained from animals is mainly used in the footwear and leather industry. However, in our time, the use of synthetic and chemical fibers and dyes is expanding. In the development of the agro-industrial complex of Russia, there has been a tendency for the country to depend on raw materials imported from other countries. At the expense of own resources, it is possible to satisfy 90-95% of the demand for wool, flax fiber, artificial fibers, as well as leather and fur raw materials. At the same time, 100% cotton is imported,50% synthetic fibers and 25% man-made yarns. A serious problem is also the low quality of domestic raw materials.
In the textile industry, a "chain" of production is defined: raw materials - fiber - yarn - raw materials - finishing - finished fabric - cutting fabrics - tailoring.
Producing fiber from the finished fabric focuses on both the raw material and the consumer.
And the finishing stages of production gravitate towards the centers of high artistic culture. First of all, these are Moscow and St. Petersburg.
The garment industry is also the most important consumer of textile products. They are located in almost every Russian city.
The agro-industrial complex is managed by the Ministry of Agriculture of the Russian Federation. Its important task is to meet the needs of the Russian people and increase the level of production in the Russian agro-industrial complex.
Agro-industrial complex problems
The organization of the agro-industrial complex in Russia is such that it accumulates a considerable number of problems. As mentioned earlier, there are problems with the land, with equipment, with the availability of raw materials. Due to erosion, 1.5 billion tons of fertile soil layer are lost annually. As a result, ravines are formed, of which there are already more than 400 thousand in the country.
Also, machinery and agricultural work in Russia are distinguished by a high price with a relatively low quality. Domestic production cannot fully meet the needs of the population, therefore, it is dependent on others.states.
In some industries, the amount of waste is significant. This often has a significant impact on the environment.
Domestic industry has long been developing in a closed economy. Therefore, its equipment is insufficient. Product quality is also not always the highest.
These are the problems of Russia's most important intersectoral complex. Their solution will lead to an increase in the level of economic development of the country and an improvement in the standard of living of Russians.
So, we got acquainted with the geography of the agro-industrial complex, with its features and problems. This complex plays an important role in the life of every person, so it is necessary to do everything possible for its development and improvement.
