The guest of our column today is the Head of the Omsk Regional Branch of Russian Agricultural Bank JSC Lev YANEEV.
Omsky Biocluster: Good afternoon, Mr. YANEEV!
Mr. YANEEV: Good afternoon!
What are the results of the RusAg Omsk branch for 2018?
Last year, the RusAg Omsk branch issued more than RUR 5.5 billion ($ 84.21 million) to borrowers. At the same time, more than RUR 500 million ($ 7.66 million) were given to farmers for equipment, about RUR 2.5 billion ($ 38.28 million) for seasonal field work. As for loans to individuals, in the 12 months of 2018, we issued almost RUR 1.5 billion ($ 22.97 million) mortgage loans and over RUR 1.1 billion ($ 16.84 million) consumer loans. I especially want to note the increase in the volume of deposits.
We record a high level of customer confidence in the bank, which was reflected in the growth of the investment portfolio. So, according to data at the end of 2018, deposits exceeded RUR 8 billion ($ 122.49 million), and according to recent data, at the end of the Q1 2019, this figure has already crossed the border for RUR 9 billion ($ 137.8 million).
What agricultural projects are most often the subject of appeal to the Omsk branch?
Most often, the bank receives appeals on the acquisition of specialized agricultural equipment for sowing and harvesting campaigns. At the same time, the niche of drying equipment remains little in demand. We would like to see the growth of interest from the farmers specifically for this category of special equipment. The acquisition of such equipment will allow farmers to minimize the risks at the stage of storage of the crop and opens the door to entry into long-term contracts.
In addition to loans for the equipment purchase, the RusAg Omsk branch also provides loans for investment projects. Last year, our clients (Bolshevik and Komsomolskoe LLC) took advantage of such loans.
SMEs occupy a large share in the agro-industry. Often, the formats offered for large holdings are simply not applicable to SMEs. Are there any features within the Omsk branch for considering the projects of SMEs?
Of course, we have been working closely with entrepreneurs for a long time and SMEs is an important sector for our bank. If a farmer addresses us, then Decree No. 1523 applies. According to it, RusAg can provide a subsidized loan at a rate of up to 5% for equipment and its repair, as well as the purchase of fuel and fertilizers. If the entrepreneur activity does not apply to agriculture, we are guided by the No. 1764, where the rate will be up to 8.5%. I want to note that these are real operating mechanisms.
Mr. YANEEV, the question of federal development institutions. The model of interaction with the same IDF (Industrial Development Fund) assumes the participation of a bank...
We are actively working with federal institutions, including the Industrial Development Fund. Under the existing bilateral program, small farms are provided with the possibility of crediting under the guarantee of the Fund. Now we have accumulated such applications in the amount of more than RUR 100 million ($ 1.53 million). In addition, I would like to mention such convenient for the client tools as the program '30% deposit, 70% guarantee,' as well as the opportunity to take into account the future harvest as a deposit.
Is it not difficult for small farmers to understand all the intricacies of lending?
Well, first of all, RusAg is not a newcomer, both farmers and large business know us. And we, of course, know our clients, existing and potential. And they turn to us, and we, together with the officials, hold consultations and explain in detail what clients can use now. In general, now the bank is not only loans, it is consultations, it is a comprehensive service. Now the bank has become part of the business environment. An important addition to the complex service in the bank will be the availability of its own insurance company, RusAg-Insurance, which will help the farmer minimize risks in the event of a bad harvest. Finally, it is impossible not to mention the special program for AKKOR (Association of Peasant Farms and Agricultural Cooperatives of Russia) members, under which SMEs can get a loan at a rate of 4.5%. In general, we conduct fruitful cooperation with AKKOR, which resulted in the emergence of a fundamentally new product, a consumer loan for AKKOR members. Now it is even easier to get up to RUR 1 million ($ 15,311) for personal needs, it is enough to join AKKOR and the association will act as a recommender for such a loan.
Now Omsky Biocluster and Siberian Cossack Host are considering the possibility of activating the economic component in the work of Cossack farms. What products can a bank offer to farmers?
In this case, all current bank offers for farmers will be valid. The bank’s product offerings line is quite wide, plus the capabilities of federal institutions. And again, the applicants are not the same, they have different economic conditions, different opportunities, and the goals are also differentiated. We invite our clients, come to our office, go to the official website of the bank www.rshb.ru. You can find a complete list of products, as well as pick up an offer that will meet your needs.
Your opinion: is the cluster model of regional development a fashion trend or a real tool for integrated development?
Of course, this is a real tool. However, it is important to note that this tool needs an economic component to support. For example, the current regional law, establishing mutual preferences for producers, processors and networks. In the case when there is no centralized program, we have isolated and multidirectional efforts that do not provide the desired economic effect.
Your wishes to Omsky Biocluster.
I would like to wish the Omsky Biocluster team and members the productive work for the benefit of their native land, as well as good health, happiness and well-being!
Thank you!
Omsky Biocluster Press Secretary Ravshana Balloyeva.
