Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin visited the Agrokultura Group greenhouse complex in Kashira on Wednesday.
When inspecting the enterprise, the head of the Cabinet was accompanied by the Minister of Agriculture of the Russian Federation Dmitry Patrushev and the Governor of the Moscow Region Andrey Vorobyov.
On the spot, the prime minister was shown greenhouses with cucumbers and tomatoes, and was also offered to taste these and other vegetables and berries of their own production. Taking cherry tomatoes from the tasting table, Mishustin tried them and praised them: “Very tasty!”
Having entered the first greenhouse, he approached and examined the cucumbers growing there, and also asked if this variety was Russian. Hearing about the Dutch variety and the difficulties with domestic selection, the prime minister remarked: “That’s why we came here.”
He asked a similar question in the second tomato greenhouse. He was told that the main agricultural varieties are imported, but now their own varieties are being tested.
Earlier, Mishustin pointed out that against the background of external sanctions, Russia needs to develop its own production in agriculture as much as possible, “starting from seeds, veterinary drugs, breeding material to agricultural machinery or equipment for the food and processing industry.”
Financial and supply situation
After that, the prime minister was told about the features of production, including automatic climate control, and the domestic biosecurity system. In this case, for example, the collection, garter, sorting of cucumbers at the enterprise are carried out manually.
Mishustin also asked if today’s vegetable prices make it possible to ensure the profitability of production. According to representatives of the plant, this season, costs are growing faster than the cost of production, so everything is not easy with finances.
The head of the Cabinet recalled that there are special support tools through the Ministry of Agriculture and the region to overcome such difficulties. He also advised to closely monitor this situation.
In addition, the prime minister clarified whether there are now problems with imported components and equipment against the backdrop of sanctions. According to representatives of the enterprise, due to restrictions, the delivery arm has lengthened, so components have to be ordered in advance. Also, according to them, for some positions, the plant began to focus on Russian and Asian manufacturers.
About the greenhouse complex “Agroculture Group”
“Agrokultura group” is the region’s leader in the production of fresh vegetables in greenhouses. It was founded in 2014 and is aimed, among other things, at replacing imported products in the domestic market.
The greenhouse complex uses modern growing technologies, biological methods of plant protection, strictly observing sanitary control. It is gasified, autonomously provided with electricity, water for irrigation and technical purposes. The staff of the enterprise is about 1,500 people. The main management team and staff are formed of specialists with specialized higher education and significant work experience. Five stages of the plant have now been fully implemented, the last of which was put into operation at the end of 2021.
The total area of greenhouses today is about 100 hectares. At the end of 2021, the company received 62 thousand tons of vegetables. Products are sold through wholesale companies and federal retail chains. 90% of products are supplied to Moscow and the Moscow region, 10% – to other regions of the country.
