Letter to Valerian Obolensky, September 14, 1921

Add a subpage to this text

Read the help page for usage.

 

Comrade Osinsky, People’s Commissariat for Agriculture

Please urgently inform me about the arrangements for the distribution of seeds in the famine-stricken gubernias, stating:

1) The principles of distribution of seeds among the population (whether they are issued to everyone or only to those whose land has been prepared for sowing, whether inspection of the ploughed-up area has been organised and how, etc.).

2) Actual participation by organs of the People’s Commissariat for Agriculture iii accepting delivery of the seed freights, their storage, their transportation from the railway stations to the localities, sorting of seeds, and, if information is available, the pace of work in moving the seeds from the central points of delivery to the localities.

3) Whether and how the inventory of the delivered seeds has been organised (are there any lists, stating the names— of persons or collectives—receiving the seeds, and the quantities).

4) Whether and how control has been organised to verify whether the seeds are actually used for sowing and not for food.

The question of correct distribution of seeds is of especial importance.

Meanwhile, judging by K. Myaskov’s item, entitled “The Spring and Autumn Sowing Campaigns”, in Izvestia VTsIK No. 202 and by other reports, not all is well in this sphere.

Chairman, Council of People’s Commissars