Economic efficiency of intensive technologies of cereal crops cultivation in the 80s of the 20th century in Western Siberia
Level of development of grain production has a strategic significance and serves as one of the characteristics of economic independence of countries and regions. Western Siberia in the east of the Russian Federation is the leading region for the production of grains, especially high-quality wheat. It holds about 20% of all grain crops and more than 30% of spring wheat. More than 35% of the gross harvest of these crops are produced there. In the middle of 80s of 20th century the task was to increase cereal yields in Western Siberia by 6-7 quintals per hectare (mainly grain wheat) based on intensification of agriculture and improvement of cereals growing technologies based on scientific and technical progress and promotion of high grade grain harvesting. Through the period of reforming the demand for high-tech products declined sharply and most of agricultural enterprises shifted to extensive methods of farming. As the previously established technologies are almost not used, the use of mineral and organic fertilizers and the volume of mechanized operations have decreased. That is why the importance of results of intensive technologies usage in farms in Western Siberia in the second half of 80s of the last century increases. This experience is valuable, with all of its shortcomings, which were identified in the subsequent analysis, because the lack of alternatives to intensification of agriculture is proven. In accordance with the tasks, scientific institutions of Siberia have developed recommendations for the proper cultivation of spring wheat by intensive technologies. Particular attention was paid to the relation of varieties of this crop. The recommendations stated that these technologies require a high farming сulture, strict observance of technological discipline in accordance with the requirements of the zonal farming systems. The first results of the use of intensive technologies were positive, but revealed some disadvantages, which were both technological and organizational.