You're reading: Azarov: Ukraine starting to increase cattle numbers

Since the beginning of 2012 Ukraine has increased cattle numbers by 452,000 head, Ukrainian Premier Mykola Azarov has reported.

“This year we increased livestock by 452,000 head. For the first time
in [independent] Ukraine there was growth in cattle numbers,” he said
during a ceremony to mark the opening of a transshipment terminal of the
Nibulon company in Kyiv region on Thursday, July 26.

The premier also noted that this year the government had initiated a
new form of support for agricultural producers: subsidies for the
maintenance of breeding calves.

“Everyone, who wants to save, or raise [breeding calves] will receive state subsidies,” the premier added.

Azarov also said that the state is planning to raise per capita meat
consumption in Ukraine to 70-80 kilograms per year, adding that Ukraine
has already achieved the optimal supply for the population with poultry
and pork.

Moreover, the premier noted that support for the agrarian sector in
2012 totals about UAH 10 billion, which is 1.5 times up year-over-year.

As reported referring to the findings of the State Service of
Statistics, cattle numbers in Ukraine as of July 1 2012 totaled 5.2
million head, which is 0.3% more year-over-year.