For many years, the Soviet Union was known as the land of “evergreen tomatoes,” but even those were only available seasonally. Today, however, Primorye boasts year-round production of red, pink, and yellow tomatoes, among other vegetables, thanks to the region’s growing greenhouse industry. While local greenhouses have not yet fully replaced imports, they are producing significant quantities of tomatoes, cucumbers, and greens. How is this achieved, and what are the benefits of greenhouse-grown vegetables compared to those grown in open fields?
Advanced Greenhouse Operations in Primorye
One of the largest greenhouse enterprises in Primorye is run by Nikita Kozhemyako, the son of the current governor, and is based in the Mikhailovsky Advanced Development Territory. NK Lotus LLC, under the brands “Harvest of Primorye” and Greenlife, operates greenhouses covering 9.4 hectares where tomatoes, cucumbers, and lettuce are grown. This facility represents a leap forward in agricultural technology and methodology.
Stringent Hygiene and Modern Agronomy
Upon entering the greenhouse facility, strict hygiene protocols are enforced to prevent plant diseases. Visitors are prohibited from bringing flowers and must thermally treat any fruits or vegetables they bring. The agronomy team, dressed in uniform and Crocs, ensures no outside contaminants enter the controlled environment. This team includes a chief agronomist, specialists in plant protection and nutrition, and several team leaders who manage the vegetable growers.
Andrey Shelkovenko, the chief agronomist, hails from a village background and holds a degree from Altai Agricultural University. His experience spans various regions, including Altai and Smolensk, before his current role in Primorye.
Greenhouse Infrastructure and Technology
The greenhouse complex is a model of efficiency and technology. From the administrative building, workers can access the greenhouses without stepping outside. Automated systems ensure hands and footwear are sanitized before entry. Inside, the greenhouses are filled with sunlight, with temperatures reaching up to 30°C, although maintained at 23-25°C most of the year for optimal plant growth.
The glass structure of the greenhouses, including walls and ceiling, allows maximum light penetration, essential for photosynthesis. In winter, additional lighting supplements natural light. The climate within the greenhouses is computer-controlled, ensuring precise temperature, humidity, and light levels. The gas heating system not only maintains stable temperatures but also provides CO2 enrichment, crucial for plant growth.
Efficient Cultivation Techniques
Greenhouse vegetable cultivation employs a low-volume technique using mineral wool substrates from Tatarstan instead of soil. This method allows precise control over plant nutrition through drip irrigation systems that deliver nutrient solutions calculated by agronomists. This level of control is unattainable in open-field farming, where soil composition and nutrient levels are variable and less predictable.
Tomatoes and cucumbers are grown in separate sections, with the latter harvested year-round. The tomato section undergoes an annual cycle, with a break from mid-July to mid-October for cleaning and replanting. The greenhouses also house bumblebees for pollination, an essential process for non-self-pollinating crops like tomatoes.
Comparing Greenhouse and Open-Field Vegetables
Despite a common perception that open-field vegetables are superior, greenhouse-grown produce offers numerous advantages. The controlled environment minimizes the risk of contaminants and allows for precise nutrient management, ensuring the vegetables are safe and nutritious. Greenhouse farming also significantly reduces the use of pesticides and herbicides, contributing to better environmental outcomes.
Primorye’s advanced greenhouse operations represent a significant advancement in agricultural practices, enabling year-round production of high-quality vegetables. Through the use of modern technology and strict hygiene protocols, these greenhouses are setting new standards for efficiency, yield, and sustainability. As climate change and food security become increasingly critical issues, the innovations seen in Primorye’s greenhouses offer a promising model for the future of agriculture.
