Perspectives for grain production in the U.S.S.R.

Abstract

Over the past ten years, increased variability of weather has caused a substantial shortfall in grain production in the U.S.S.R. This shortfall has a very great effect on the whole Soviet economy and also on the global balance of grain supply and demand. To overcome the shortage of grain the U.S.S.R. has increased purchases of grain on the international market sevenfold above the level of the early 1970's. The U.S.S.R. is also attempting some measures to increase grain output in the country, but the rate of this increase is not compatible with the growing Soviet demand for grain. In addition to the impact of weather, Soviet economics, natural resources and other factors create some limitations for successful fulfillment of their goals. A thorough insight of these problems will help in the assessment of the future potential for grain production in the U.S.S.R. which is the world's second largest grain producer and the largest grain importing nation.