In the Rostov region, by the end of 2023, the share of sunflower seeds of domestic selection is planned to be increased to 31% of the region’s needs, and the share of corn seeds to 18%. This was announced by the Minister of Agriculture and Food of the region Konstantin Rachalovsky during the agro-industrial forum of the South of Russia, writes RBC.
“In 2023, it is planned to plant and place at least 2 thousand seed plants, on which we will grow our own seeds of domestic selection. By the end of the year, we expect that on our land we will cover up to 18% of the demand for corn seeds and 31% for sunflower seeds. These percentages should be increased,” Rachalovsky said.
He also said that in the sowing work in 2023, it is planned to use at least 60% of corn seeds of domestic selection, as well as 36% of sunflower.
“The task is tense, today we must take into account the fact that many farms purchased seeds of imported selection last year for the sowing season of 2023. Nevertheless, the promotion of domestic seed material will continue. It is important to get away from import dependence,” the Minister of Agriculture and Food emphasized.
The area of seed crops of corn and sunflower of domestic selection in 2022 in the Rostov region has been tripled compared to 2021.
In addition, the sowing of grain crops on the Don is carried out with seeds of domestic selection, mainly Don. In the region, four scientific institutions and 44 seed-growing organizations are engaged in breeding and seed production. However, the group of tilled crops, which occupies a significant area (more than 20% of the sown area), is dependent on imported seeds.
