The Ulyanovsk region has made significant strides in its agricultural exports, reporting a total export volume of $20.3 million by the end of 2024. This figure was disclosed by Nikolai Zontov, the Minister of Economic Development, to the members of the Ulyanovsk Regional Duma (ZSO). The export structure is diverse, with cereals leading at $13.8 million, followed by oil and fat products at $0.9 million, and various other agricultural products contributing to the total.
Remarkably, grain exports almost doubled in 2024 compared to the previous year, highlighting the region's growing capacity in this sector. The primary markets for Ulyanovsk's agricultural goods are Kazakhstan and Belarus, as well as Kyrgyzstan, Armenia, Iran, Turkey, and Egypt. This widening market reach indicates a successful strategy in expanding their agricultural footprint internationally.
During the navigation period of 2024, Ulyanovsk's port terminals witnessed the shipment of 57 dry cargo vessels carrying grain to the ports of the Caspian and Black Seas, with a total weight reaching approximately 115,000 tons. This robust shipping activity demonstrates the region's efforts to enhance its export infrastructure.
Additionally, the loading stations and elevators in the region reported that around 68,000 tons of regional farmers' grains were dispatched in 985 wagons throughout the year. This logistical achievement further underscores the efficiency and productivity of the Ulyanovsk agricultural sector.
The movement of products didn't stop at grains. The region saw 55 vehicles exporting a total of 449 tons of various agricultural goods. Flour, in particular, has become a notable export, with shipments to countries such as Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and Armenia rising to 9.3 thousand tons, marking a twofold increase from the prior year. This surge not only meets the demands of these markets but also showcases the region's potential in baking and milling industries.
Moreover, Ulyanovsk is making substantial headway in exporting flaxseed oil to China. In 2024 alone, the region exported 1,612 tons of flax seeds, along with 3.88 thousand tons of flaxseed oil. The sales were facilitated through the inaugural export train route from Ulyanovsk to China, specifically designed to enhance trade links between the two regions.
This innovative approach to exporting signifies a modern approach to agriculture, where the Ulyanovsk region aims to structure its economy around high-demand agricultural products, meeting international standards and consumer expectations.
As the 2024 year drew to a close, the growth in the agricultural export sector signifies not just increased monetary values, but also the potential for sustainability and development in the local economy. Stakeholders in the agricultural sector are hopeful that these trends will continue, allowing for further investments and expansions in the years to come.
With strategic international partnerships and effective use of logistical resources, Ulyanovsk seeks to solidify its stance as a crucial player in the agricultural export market while continuing to foster local economic growth.
