Students from the Ural State Agrarian University visited Potato City.

On August 21, the annual summer field event "Potato City 2025" was held at Belorechensky Agricultural
Industrial Complex (APC) JSC
. Syngenta, a leading agricultural company, organized the event.
The event brought together agronomists, scientists, agricultural students, and other representatives of the agricultural sector. Agricultural enterprises demonstrated modern technologies for improving the efficiency of potato farming in the region.
In the demonstration fields, everyone had the opportunity to learn about various potato varieties adapted to northern conditions. Fertilizers and plant protection products that can improve yields and disease resistance were also presented.
A sightseeing tour was a pleasant bonus for Ural State Agrarian University students. Students from the Faculty of Agricultural Technology and Land Management viewed specialized potato farming equipment, as well as a collection of the latest potato varieties for various purposes, and demonstrated practical applications of a range of products and technologies from leading global companies.
"Attending the event is a unique opportunity for our students to learn about the latest advances in agronomy and, most importantly, to see the results of their application in real-world conditions. Cutting-edge solutions allow us to increase crop yields and create a sustainable agricultural system capable of responding to current challenges," said Tatyana Chapalda, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Plant Growing and Breeding.
Innovative digital technologies being implemented in potato farming were an important aspect of the discussion of industry achievements. For example, the use of drones significantly accelerates field cultivation and ensures maximum crop protection . This has become especially relevant in today's agricultural sector, where speed and quality of work are crucial. We previously reported on the implementation of the UralAgroDron project.
However, despite technological advances, the potato harvest in regions affected by severe weather remains a serious concern. Excessive precipitation and sharp temperature fluctuations can negatively impact plant HEALTH, facilitating the development of various diseases.
"The potato harvest is a serious concern. Due to the high humidity and heavy rainfall we've experienced this season, we're facing problems with late blight and potato rot. In unstable weather conditions, it's important to focus on non-agronomic measures and also employ innovative approaches to soil monitoring. Early harvesting"This may help preserve some of the harvest, but it may also lead to a reduction in overall production volume and tuber quality. Furthermore, it's worth considering alternative potato varieties that are more resilient to adverse conditions. This will help adapt production to changing climate conditions and minimize the risk of crop losses," commented Mikhail Karpushin, Vice Rector for Research and Innovation and PhD in Agricultural Sciences.

Text by Kristina Ismagilova
Photo by Pavel Uskov