Altai Sugar Beet Trust in 1941–1945: Operational Challenges, Economic Practices

This article examines the primary areas of activity of the Altai Sugar Beet Trust during the Great Patriotic War. Based on consolidated annual reports of the trust, the study analyzes the operational features and challenges the trust faced under wartime conditions. The article assesses data on planned gross production targets and their actual fulfillment. It is concluded that the war disrupted the progressive development of the Altai sugar industry, leading to a sharp decline in beet and sugar production, with the crisis peaking in 1944. The study identifies several adverse factors affecting the industry’s performance, including labor shortages due to mobilization, the requisition of material and technical resources for military needs, delayed plant launches due to issues with beet supply, low beet yields caused by unfavorable weather conditions, pests, and resource shortages, as well as logistical difficulties. To address workforce shortages, the trust employed women and labor settlers. Despite the severe crisis, the regional sugar industry adapted to wartime conditions and managed to resume production, making a significant contribution to supplying both the front and the home front.