Moscow/IBNS: Russian president Vladimir Putin has come out with an unconventional strategy to address the declining birth rate in his country, encouraging people to have sex during work breaks.

Putin made the remark after the country's fertility rate stands at 1.5 children per woman.

The desirable figure is 2.1 to maintain the population stability.

"The preservation of the Russian people is our highest national priority. The fate of Russia...depends on how many of us there will be. It is a question of national importance," Putin said as quoted by Hindustan Times.

Russian Health Minister Dr. Yevgeny Shestopalov said tight work schedules should not act as a barrier for sex.

Putin's idea was supported by Dr. Shestopalov who said, "You can have children during breaks."

Moscow has introduced a slew of measures including free fertility checks, financial incentives to women for their first child, restriction of access to abortions et al.

Earlier this year, Japan introduced a government dating application to boost marriage after the birth rate in the country fell to an unprecedented number.

7,27,277 new births were recorded last year in a country of 123.9 million. The fertility rate has also nosedived from earlier 1.26 to 1.20.