Aysen Nikolaev, the Head of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia), has directed the republican Government to devise a new strategy for boosting agriculture in the Arctic regions of the Russian Federation. At present, the primary objective is to provide locally produced agricultural goods to the republic's population. The Arctic areas of Yakutia require focusing on commercialising reindeer herding, increasing the population of horses and cattle, boosting fishing and wild plant gathering, and enhancing veterinary services," posted Mr Nikolaev in his Telegram channel.

Food security in the Arctic is a currently unresolved issue. On the one hand, the current system of food production and logistics is generally effective: the population is well-fed. On the other hand, the system is complex, costly, delicate, and sometimes inefficient. The existing food logistics system causes high grocery prices, significantly limits food variety, and leaves Arctic territories vulnerable in case the supply chains are disrupted. Yakutia is always spearheading new initiatives in Arctic development and has already recognised the need for fresh solutions in this field.

What Yakutia cultivates

The agricultural sector in Yakutia's Arctic areas contributes about 4% to the total agricultural output of the republic. This includes 6.5 thousand heads of cattle, with 2,435 being cows, 19.3 thousand horses, and approximately 8.1 thousand poultry birds. As per the regional Ministry of Agriculture, during the first half of 2023, milk production increased by 6.8% compared to the same period last year (1,135 tonnes). Meat production from livestock and poultry rose by 15.2% (262 thousand tonnes), and egg production – thanks to government support measures – also increased, reaching 656.4 thousand units. Egg production saw a 2.5-fold increase over the year.

This year, government funding for the agricultural sector in Yakutia's Arctic areas has reached 1.76 billion rubles. The aim of government support is to lower the prices of essential goods and improve their accessibility. In 2023, across 13 areas, flour prices at Yakutopttorg JSC dropped by 13–71% depending on the point of sale, sugar prices fell by 17–45%, while rice, salt, and vegetable oil also became cheaper. Fishing also enjoyed an influx of government support, with 31 fishing enterprises receiving RUB 25 million for preparations for the current season. Reindeer farming in Yakutia is quite advanced – at the start of 2023, the population of domestic reindeer herds reached 168.5 thousand heads, accounting for about 17% of Russia's reindeer.

Arctic regions are poised not only to sustain themselves with produced food but also to sell it. To streamline supply chains, five trade and logistics centres operate in the Yakutian Arctic, selling food to locals and procuring locally produced delicacies. These trade and logistics centres can store a wider range of products than small rural shops, while centralised deliveries along with government subsidies for essential goods allow for an expanded product range. This network has demonstrated its effectiveness, which is why it is to be significantly expanded in the future.

Development scenarios

Yakutia is currently expanding the existing industry, traditionally rooted in its robust livestock production. In recent years, thanks to support measures for the AZRF, regional authorities have been actively promoting traditional forms of Arctic production, integrating them into contemporary industries. This includes producing food items from wild plants, reindeer farming, and even processing surplus produce from marine hunting. A production facility was recently established in the Chukchi village of Lorino where hunters can hand over extra walrus or seal carcasses (hunted within the quota, of course). This is a crucial aspect of the economic growth for Arctic regions, as it leverages the experience of the indigenous peoples who have resided there for thousands of years. Usually, such enterprises generate employment and provide a livelihood for a relatively small community, enabling several dozens of people to earn a living.

There are proposals on how to tackle some of the uniquely Arctic issues with advanced technologies. Transporting fresh vegetables and fruits to the Far North is quite challenging and costly. In this regard, significant promise is shown by the concept of city farms, growing food in confined and relatively small spaces, akin to space farming. Researchers from the Future Agrotechnologies lab at Moscow Timiryazev Agricultural Academy are about to complete a modular farm project, with modules that can be delivered via the Northern Sea Route to any inhabited location. These will guarantee a consistent supply of fresh food throughout the year, irrespective of the regional climate: be it located in the Russian Far North or amid the searing sands of Arabia.

Overall, a combined strategy for developing the agricultural industry in the Arctic should significantly decrease food costs and broaden foodstuff variety. By enabling at least some of the products to be produced locally, Arctic regions could partially compensate for the most expensive factor in supplying Arctic populations with food – transportation. Regrettably, the issue cannot be completely resolved right now. The Soviet Union ran an experiment to create frost-resistant edible plants, such as potatoes that were intended to be grown in Dikson to feed local polar workers. The experience of the Polyarny State Farm is still applied in Arctic food production, yet the set objectives proved unattainable. Without the necessary raw materials, it is impossible to establish an agricultural industry that is fully capable of meeting the primary needs of the Arctic regions with locally-produced foodstuffs. Nevertheless, as experience demonstrates, technological advancements can occasionally turn ancestral dreams into reality — perhaps the Arctic will eventually cultivate its own frost-resistant beets.