Vladimir Putin meets Kursk governor

Vladimir Putin has met the governor of the Kursk region, Alexander Mikhailov, who informed the President about the harvesting campaign, the preparations for the winter and the general situation in the region.

"It is necessary that you keep an eye on the situation, so that everybody could feel that the first person (the governor) is concerned about this problem (preparations for the winter)," said the head of state.

"The preparations for the winter are under control," said Alexander Mikhailov. According to him, 80% of this work will be completed before October 15.

Alexander Mikhailov informed the head of state about the situation in the agrarian industrial complex and the course of the harvesting campaign.

"Were there any delays in the harvesting?" asked Vladimir Putin.

Alexander Mikhailov answered that because of the rain there was a three-week delay in the harvesting. "There is a risk that if we do not concentrate our efforts, we may lose the harvest," he said. The governor emphasised that a good crop had grown and that everything was prepared for its harvesting: we have leased agricultural machinery in good time.

The Russian president asked whether the leasing system was efficient. "Yes, it is, and it is very advantageous," answered the governor.