Region's Farmers Primarily Use Domestically Bred Seeds

Krasnodar Krai farmers turn to homegrown seeds for crop independence

Krasnodar Krai continues its spring planting campaign, with local farmers traditionally relying on seeds developed by Russian breeders. Winter grains and rice are sown entirely with domestic varieties, while soybeans cover around 90% of planted areas. Corn and sunflower account for over half, and sugar beets occupy roughly 19%.

According to regional authorities, crop breeding remains a key priority for the agricultural sector. Scientists in Kuban annually develop new varieties and hybrids tailored to southern Russia's climate, resistant to drought and high temperatures. This ensures stable yields and boosts production volumes. This year, over 800 million rubles have been allocated for breeding new spring crop hybrids, with farmers also receiving subsidies to purchase elite seeds.

Kuban-bred varieties are in demand not only within the region but also abroad. Seeds of wheat, barley, corn, sunflower, rice, and flax are exported to CIS countries as well as Pakistan and Turkey. These efforts are part of the national project Technological Support for Food Security, which focuses on advancing biotechnology, breeding, and agricultural machinery.

By 2030, the region aims to increase the share of domestically bred seeds to 75%, raise the proportion of pedigree dairy cattle to 72%, and grow the use of Russian breeding stock in poultry farming to 10%.