Dagestan’s Record Rice Harvest in 2024
In 2024, Dagestan harvested 159,000 tons of rice (post-processing), continuing its steady growth in the sector. Compared to previous years:
- 2023 production: 156,000 tons
- 2022 production: 138,000 tons
The increase in yield is attributed to expanding rice fields and modernized farming practices. In 2024, the total area of rice paddies in Dagestan reached 34,700 hectares, 3,300 hectares more than in 2023.
Dagestan now ranks second after Krasnodar Krai in Russia’s rice production. The Kizlyar district leads regional output, cultivating 18,700 hectares, which represents 54.1% of the total rice-growing area.
Popular Rice Varieties in Dagestan
Dagestani farmers primarily grow the following high-yield rice varieties:
- Regul
- Khazar
- Rapan
- Polevik
These varieties are known for their strong adaptability to local soil and climate conditions and are in demand both domestically and for export.
Investments Driving Growth in Dagestan’s Rice Industry
One of the most notable investment projects in Dagestan’s rice sector is being carried out by Agriс LLC in Tarumovka district. The company is making significant contributions to modernizing and expanding rice cultivation in the region.
Agriс LLC’s Key Investments:
✅ 900 hectares of new rice paddies under development
✅ 470 hectares planted in 2023, achieving record yields of 7 tons per hectare
✅ 530 hectares of previously abandoned land being restored for agriculture
✅ 500 million rubles ($5.5 million) invested in high-performance agricultural machinery
✅ Construction of a modern rice processing plant with a capacity of 5 tons per hour
This state-of-the-art rice mill will enable Agriс LLC to manage the entire production cycle—from cultivation to processing and packaging, increasing value-added production and enhancing competitiveness in the rice market.
Dagestan’s Rice Sector: Future Prospects
- Expansion of Cultivated Areas: The trend of increasing rice paddies is expected to continue, with more investors showing interest in the region.
- Advanced Irrigation Systems: To sustain yield growth, investments in modern irrigation and drainage infrastructure are essential.
- Rising Market Demand: With growing domestic and export markets, Dagestan’s rice industry is well-positioned for further expansion.
- Full-Cycle Production: Integrating processing and packaging capabilities will boost profitability and reduce reliance on raw material exports.