Veterans of the Special Military Operation learned about opportunities to start a business in the agricultural sector.

      An expert meeting with veterans of the special military operation (SMO) and their family members titled "Start Your Business in Agriculture" took place in Kazan. Participants learned about state support measures available in the Republic of Tatarstan that help acquire new professions, start their own businesses in agriculture, improve financial literacy, and find jobs. The meeting, organized by Rosselkhozbank in collaboration with the branch of the State Fund "Defenders of the Fatherland" in the Republic of Tatarstan and the Ministry of Agriculture and Food of the Republic of Tatarstan, presented the opportunities of a comprehensive support program for veterans of the SMO and their families, which has been in effect at the bank since 2024. One of the key areas of support is enrollment without competition and free training at the "Farmer's School." This is a nationwide educational project where participants study agricultural specialties, the basics of business planning, and have the opportunity to develop or prepare to launch their own businesses. Training takes place at leading specialized educational institutions with the participation of teachers, industry experts, representatives of the Ministry of Agriculture, and Rosselkhozbank. The program includes excursions, practical classes, and internships at operating agricultural enterprises, as well as the defense of a business plan. The course lasts for two months and includes 100 hours of theory and 150 hours of practice. Training is conducted in more than 50 areas—from crop production and animal husbandry to agritourism and digital technologies. Until mid-September, applications for training in the autumn stream are being accepted at Kazan State Agrarian University (KGAU), which starts in October in the areas of "Cooperation," "Animal Husbandry," and "Crop Production." Since 2024, 1,1080 veterans of the SMO from 73 regions of Russia have graduated from the "Farmer's School," and another 510 people are planned for 2026. The knowledge gained can be used to launch one's own agribusiness, receiving funding for it. In particular, veterans of the SMO have access to the "Agromotivator" grant—a targeted support measure of up to 7 million rubles. It can cover up to 90% of expenses, with the remaining no less than 10% to be contributed by the applicant themselves. The Ministry of Agriculture and Food of the Republic of Tatarstan continues to accept applications for the grant for participants and veterans of the SMO for the creation and development of a farm. "It is important for us that participants and veterans of the special military operation have the opportunity to realize themselves in the agricultural sector. The "Agromotivator" grant is a tool that allows them to create and develop their own farm. The application process is ongoing, and we invite all interested parties to take advantage of this support measure," noted Marat Abdullin, Director of the "Competence Center for the Development of Agricultural Cooperation in the Republic of Tatarstan." "For veterans of the SMO, the "Farmer's School" is not just an opportunity to gain new knowledge in the agricultural sector; it is a step-by-step action plan that allows them to master a new profession and start their own business. Our experts help them navigate the industry, choose a promising direction, assess the economics of the future project, and prepare a business plan. In Tatarstan, 214 people have completed the program, including 7 veterans of the SMO. We see that this is a real tool for preparing them for independent work in the agricultural sector," noted Vasilya Mullina, Deputy Director of the Tatarstan Regional Branch of Rosselkhozbank. Together with the "Defenders of the Fatherland" fund, Rosselkhozbank also conducts educational activities for veterans of the SMO and their family members to improve financial literacy, covering topics from protection against fraud and safe management of personal finances to preferential mortgages and family budgeting.

      Another aspect of the work is assistance in professional adaptation and employment. This includes specialized conferences with HR experts and agricultural enterprises, job vacancies at Rosselkhozbank, as well as tools from the "I in Agro" platform, including educational courses, a resume builder, and a job database from over 100,000 agricultural employers. A separate direction of the program is the socio-cultural rehabilitation of veterans of the SMO who are undergoing treatment and recovery. In 2025, with the support of Rosselkhozbank and in collaboration with the "Women's Movement of United Russia," more than 40 outreach programs were organized, with over 1,000 participants. In 2026, 50 outings are planned—26 events have already been implemented in the first half of the year, reaching 550 participants. Among the venues are the Bolshoi Theatre, the State Pushkin Museum, the Museum of the Patriotic War of 1812, Roscosmos, and other institutions. Such rehabilitation is not just leisure but an effective tool for returning to a full life. Press service of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food of the Republic of Tatarstan.

      More news about the event:

      Veterans of the SMO learned about opportunities to start a business in the agricultural sector. An expert meeting with veterans of the SMO and their family members titled "Start Your Business in Agriculture" took place in Kazan. 16:04 13.08.2026 Ministry of Agriculture - Kazan

      Meat for restaurants, ostriches, and agritourism: how veterans of the SMO are becoming farmers. Thanks to the "Agromotivator" program, veterans of the SMO can receive up to 7 million rubles. "760 veterans of the SMO and their family members from 73 regions of the Russian Federation have already completed training." Today at the branch of the State Fund "Defenders of the Fatherland." 15:16 13.08.2026 IA Tatar-inform - Kazan

      News from neighboring regions on the topic:

      Educational program "Patriots." To facilitate the integration of participants of the special military operation (hereinafter referred to as SMO participants) into economic processes in civilian life, by order of the Governor of Sverdlovsk Region D.V. 16:24 13.08.2026 Tavda City District - Tavda

      Veterans of the SMO learned about opportunities to start a business in the agricultural sector. An expert meeting with veterans of the special military operation and their family members titled "Start Your Business in Agriculture" took place at the Ulyanovsk branch of the State Fund "Defenders of the Fatherland." 13:10 13.08.2026 Zvezda Newspaper - Novaya Malykla

      For SMO participants and their family members: how to start your business in agriculture. An expert meeting was held at the regional branch of the State Fund "Defenders of the Fatherland" as part of the "Start Your Business in Agriculture" program. 12:54 13.08.2026 Ulyanovsk State Agrarian University - Ulyanovsk

      NGOs, don't miss it: the application period for the second grant competition is coming soon. On August 17, applications for the second grant competition of the Head of the Republic of Dagestan to support civic initiatives will begin. 12:21 13.08.2026 Kaytag District - Majalis

      Farmer's School. On August 20, applications for the autumn stream of the educational project "Farmer's School" will begin in the Republic of Bashkortostan. 13:35 13.08.2026 Krasnokamsky District - Nikolai-Berezovka

      The following support measures are in effect in the Lipetsk region. Free classes in circles and sections in municipal organizations for children of SMO participants. 11:17 13.08.2026 Ministry of Education - Lipetsk

      A State Duma deputy and veterans from Lyubertsy discussed new support measures for families of SMO participants. State Duma deputy Roman Teryushkov held a working meeting with representatives of the Veterans Association of the Lyubertsy urban district. 11:05 13.08.2026 LTV Channel - Lyubertsy

      Support for families of SMO participants in the education system. The support program for participants of the special operation and their families in the Tambov region includes 50 support measures. 10:41 13.08.2026 Uvarovo Television - Uvarovo

      Attention! Reception for SMO participants and their families. Personal receptions for SMO participants and their families will be held in Luhansk. 📢 The "Unified Center for Assistance to SMO Participants" will conduct a series of personal receptions for those in need of support. 📅 When? 09:15 13.08.2026 City of Luhansk - Luhansk

      Oryol farmers will receive grants. The Department of Agriculture of the Oryol region has determined the winners of the competitive selection—grant recipients for the development of farms. 07:18 13.08.2026 RIA 57 - Oryol

      Veterans of the SMO learned about opportunities to start a business in the agricultural sector. An expert meeting with veterans of the special military operation and their family members titled "Start Your Business in Agriculture" took place at the Ulyanovsk branch of the State Fund "Defenders of the Fatherland." 15:57 12.08.2026 Ulpravda.Ru - Ulyanovsk

      "Farmer's School": enrollment for the autumn training stream is opening in Bashkortostan. On August 20, applications for the autumn stream of the