Alexander Nikitin reported that the agriculture-dominated region had enhanced its industrial potential in 2018, with its growth amounting to 14.4 percent. A significant contribution to this increase was provided by the food and processing industry, which showed an even higher growth of 22 percent. In terms of industrial production growth, the region ranks first among the central black earth regions and fifth in Russia.
Every year, investment in the regional economy is kept at the level of 100–110 billion rubles. During the last two or three years, three industrial parks and one territory of advanced socioeconomic development have been established.
The consolidated regional budget revenue increased by 8 percent; wages rose by 5.6 percent, and commissioning of new housing, by 2.2 percent.
The region ranks ninth in grain production, eighth in sunflower production, fifth in sugar beet production, and second in the production of meat and poultry in Russia. It manufactures more than 70 percent of all dyes (paints and lacquers, and acrylic emulsions) in Russia.
The Governor spoke in detail about major investment projects. A large meat production project with Auchan involves a new model of agricultural development – a contractual model, with investment of almost 3.5 billion rubles. The second phase of the Russian-Spanish turkey meat project is being implemented. Modern equipment has been supplied for the second stage of one of the largest flourmills in Europe and Russia. A greenhouse farm is being established in Michurinsk – 20 billion in investment, 30 hectares at the first phase.
A special subject of pride, according to the Governor, is that Tambov Region has been at the top of Russia's environmental ranking for six years in a row.
The President and the Governor also talked about the construction of social facilities – schools, kindergartens, and a new perinatal centre. This year, the region plans to open a gerontology centre, and a sports centre for martial arts.