The Russian government is evaluating the inclusion of bananas in the list of agricultural crops, which could enable producers to access state support measures. Sergey Izmalkov, Minister of Agriculture of the Stavropol Territory, stated, "The issue of classifying bananas as agricultural products is decided at the Russian government level. No one in Russia has grown or worked with such a crop on an industrial scale." The Ministry of Agriculture of Russia is addressing this matter, with expected outcomes anticipated soon.
In the Stavropol Territory, preparations are in progress for an inaugural investment project. A plan is underway to construct 15 hectares of greenhouses in Nevinnomyssk, with a projected investment of approximately 1.4 billion rubles (US$15.3 million). Izmalkov explained, "There is a priority development zone there – a zone that provides certain preferences for investors. A plot of land is designated, and the investor, together with all interested executive bodies, is engaged in communication issues - connecting power grids, gas networks, etc."
If resolved, these organizational and technical issues could lead to banana production in the region by 2026. The regional government also indicated that greenhouse complexes might allocate part of their capacity to cultivate avocados, mangoes, and passion fruit. The project aims for completion by the end of 2026.
Source: akmu