Zyuganov praises farming culture in Belarus

Gennady Zyuganov was briefed on the progress of the harvesting campaign at Shipyany-ASK. The enterprise is of particular importance to the country as it is engaged in seed production jointly with the National Scientific and Practical Center for Agriculture of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus. The guest was shown a number of seed varieties, the crops in the fields of Smolevichi District, and the experience accumulated over the years. Gennady Zyuganov stressed that the agricultural and industrial sector had always been one of Belarus’ priorities. “We learned from you and, I must say, we continue to learn. The roadside strips are cultivated, the fields are clean, and the corn is standing tall,” he said.

He also spoke about the Zyuganovka winter wheat variety, which is grown in Russia and Brest Oblast. Gennady Zyuganov stressed that the variety produces a record yield in his home country. “Farming here is also a model in many respects. The Lenin State Farm is one of the best in Moscow. We buy seeds from you, as well as strawberry planting material,” he said.

“The farming culture in your country is one of the best. I have traveled around the world and know the country inside out. So there is much to learn from you and much to be happy about. You have excellent products - Soviet standards, strict discipline and high quality. When I come home and see Belarusian cream, I say, ‘Let’s buy it!’ The same goes for sausage,” Gennady Zyuganov stressed.

He noted that food security had become particularly important in today’s world. Belarus had shown everyone how a country could produce more food than its population needed.

Director of the agricultural enterprise Vadim Kostenevich said that 55% of the grain crops had been harvested so far. The average yield was 6 tonnes per hectare. The rapeseed harvest had been completed, with an average yield of 4 tonnes per hectare. “It will take about seven or eight more days to finish, and we will complete the entire harvest campaign,” he added.

The high results were driven by both favorable weather conditions and compliance with all technological requirements. “At our farm, 97% of the seeds are Belarusian-bred varieties. We are fully ready to supply seeds to one-third of the republic. Our seeds have high yield potential and good quality characteristics,” Vadim Kostenevich stressed.

Sergei Kravtsov, Director General of the Scientific and Practical Center for Agriculture of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, spoke about the achievements of Belarusian breeding. “Here we are presenting the breeding work of the National Scientific and Practical Center. The center is responsible for 36 types of agricultural crops. These include cereals, legumes, groats crops, industrial crops, oilseeds and forage crops. All domestically bred seeds and varieties supplied to the Republic of Belarus fall within the remit of our scientific and practical center for arable farming. This year, 26 varieties of domestic breeding have been approved for cultivation across all agricultural crops,” he said.

“We cooperate closely with the Russian Federation in all areas. It is gratifying to note that in 2026, seven Belarusian varieties were approved for cultivation in Russia, including varieties of wheat, legumes and barley,” Sergei Kravtsov said. The cooperation covers plant breeding, seed production and joint research and development. 

At the end of his visit to Minsk Oblast, Gennady Zyuganov, together with Minsk Oblast Governor Aleksei Kushnarenko, Chairman of the Central Election Commission (CEC) of Belarus Igor Karpenko, First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Belarus Sergei Syrankov and members of the Communist Party of Belarus, laid flowers at the Kurgan Slavy memorial complex.