Over 120 agricultural producers from across Russia have taken part in EkoNiva’s Field Day held at Zashchitnoye plant breeding and seed growing enterprise, Kursk oblast. They visited demo plots showcasing the varieties from the company’s commercial portfolio and the novelties of in-house breeding.

‘Farmers from the Volga, Siberian, Far Eastern, Central and Central Black Soil regions are present at the event, and we have something to offer to all of them’, says Yevgeniy Kucheryavenko, Executive Director of EkoNiva-Semena. ‘Field forums are a great opportunity for fruitful and constructive dialogue. Taking into account today’s challenges, we need to work in a closer cooperation with partners to find game-changing solutions that will enable us to produce impressive results. Here in Zashchitnoye, we are sharing our experience in seed growing and plant breeding and demonstrating new crop genetics.’

EkoNiva’s portfolio comprises 75 varieties and 2 hybrids as well as 10 varieties bred in-house — 7 of winter wheat and 3 of soya bean. In addition, state trials of several varieties are currently underway.

'EkoNiva focuses on expanding its own breeding programmes and strengthening its position as a seed growing leader. Also, we are on course to further boost the plant breeding work’, says Yuriy Vasyukov, EkoNiva's Regional Director for Kursk oblast, in his opening speech.

Nowadays, new varieties of lentils, spring wheat and barley are undergoing trials in the Group’s fields. Plans are afoot to launch breeding programmes for some forage grasses, alfalfa in particular. Natalya Goncharova, Acting Minister of Agriculture of Kursk oblast, who paid a working visit to the field forum, emphasised the significance of the company's activities.

‘EkoNiva is one of the largest producers of high-quality seeds which are in high demand among farmers. At the moment, seed production and plant breeding are a priority as they are the guarantee of our food security’, underlines Natalya Goncharova.

Today, EkoNiva supplies seeds to 70 regions of Russia and 10 other countries. The geography and volumes of seed deliveries are constantly expanding, with the total number of counterparties exceeding 4,600.

Agricultural producers from different parts of the country enjoy attending the company's Field Day every year.

‘We have been cooperating with EkoNiva for over 5 years, buying seeds of wheat and barley. In the fields of Amur oblast, these seeds show good results — about 3-3.5 tonnes/hectare, while the average yield for the region is 2.0 tonnes/hectare. It has become a tradition to come to EkoNiva-Semena’s Field Day for new experience. We look at novelties, receive expert advice and then choose’, says Yuriy Nemilostiv, Chief Agronomist at Amuragrokompleks enterprise.

Vladimir Zakhlebayev, Chief Agronomist at Major Agro organic farm in Tula oblast, purchased seeds of different crops: peas, barley, soya beans, spring and winter wheat, lentils, alfalfa.

‘We are engaged in organic agriculture, that’s why we are interested in varieties that are suitable for extensive farming’, emphasises Vladimir Zakhlebayev. ‘Of course, the seed quality is an important factor, but the ultimate goal is a bumper crop. Last year, for example, winter wheat varieties from EkoNiva's portfolio sown after black fallow, no mineral fertiliser applied, yielded from 4.5 to 6 tonnes/hectare. This is 25-30% higher than in other varieties. Moreover, EkoNiva is the only company that provides control samples of seeds.’