State and trends of reindeer breeding in the arctic region of Russia

Abstract

The role and specifics of reindeer breeding as the main sector of the traditional economy in the North are shown. The advantages and drawbacks of different reindeer management systems are considered. The formation and development of reindeer breeding in Komi are shown. The Komi-Izhemsk system of reindeer breeding and its advantages are described. The fodder base of reindeer pastures is considered. The dynamics and the share of domestic reindeer livestock in the federal subjects of the North are examined. The state of reindeer breeding before and during Russia’s market reforms is studied. The implementation of the target program “Reindeer Development in the Komi Republic (2011–2015)” is analyzed. The problems with reindeer breeding in the region due to the absence of federal law thereof and unregulated interregional relations for controlling the state pastures are identified. The intensive and extensive factors of the development of reindeer breeding are studied. To save depleted tundra and forest tundra pastures from degradation, the basics for development of reindeer breeding in the taiga of northern Komi are given. The administrative experience of the Inta Pripolyarnaya Agricultural Complex in reindeer breeding is generalized. Directions for developing forest reindeer breeding and solving the social problems of reindeer breeders are proposed. The role of the government of the Komi Republic is shown in promoting the federal law “On Reindeer Breeding in the Russian Federation,” which allocates forest sites to reindeer breeding farms, encourages the construction of a base for processing reindeer breeding products, and envisages reindeer breeding tourism.