In the city of Kolomna, Moscow Region, in order to replace seed imports, Agrofirma Partner LLC is implementing a project to expand the existing seed-growing agro-industrial complex for the production of seeds of cabbage, tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, cucumbers and celery, the press service of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Moscow region.
The investment project provides for a phased introduction of queues with a gradual increase in the volume of production up to 1 ton of seeds per year.
“Implementation of the project will significantly reduce dependence on the import of seeds and planting material from abroad. With the opening of the enterprise, more than 150 new jobs will be created for residents of the Moscow region. The estimated investment in the project will amount to 1,2 billion rubles,” said Minister of Agriculture and Food of the Moscow Region Vladislav Murashov.
The agrofirm conducts selection work and seed production jointly with the Timiryazev Academy and does not use GMOs in its technologies.
The selection and seed-growing center from Kolomna is already selling seedlings of vegetables in the Moscow region, and the seeds are sold throughout Russia.
“Our plant has been engaged in import substitution for the second year in a row. We are doing selective work. This is necessary in order to get good tasty vegetables that are resistant to stress, namely to temperature extremes. This means that they will be able to grow both in the open field and in greenhouses,” said Vasily Blokin-Mechtalin, director of the Partner agricultural firm.
According to forecasts, by 2024 the provision of the Moscow region with seeds will be 50%, and the Russian Federation - 15%. Based on the results of the implementation of the entire project, it is planned to provide the Moscow region with seeds will be 100%, and the Russian Federation - 33%.