A Prominent Platform for Sharing Experiences and Knowledge on International-Class Potato Seeds.
On August 15-16, 2024, FAT-AGRO LLC proudly hosted the International Scientific and Practical Forum on Potato Seed Production in North Ossetia. This year’s conference, titled “Modern Methods of Seed Potato Production: Quality Regulations, New Promising Russian Varieties,” highlighted the latest advancements in potato breeding technologies and brought together over 200 enterprises from more than 60 regions of the Russian Federation, as well as international participants from Chile, Kyrgyzstan, and India.
About FAT-AGRO LLC
Established in 2011, FAT-AGRO LLC has been a pioneer in the Russian seed potato market for almost 13 years. The company is dedicated to exploring opportunities worldwide and is actively involved in breeding new potato varieties that can adapt to various climate zones. FAT-AGRO LLC initiated an innovative project aimed at developing the highest quality seed potatoes in the Republic of North Ossetia-Alania, utilizing a modern production infrastructure that includes state-of-the-art laboratories for meristematic tissue cultures, clonal propagation, and phytopathogen diagnostics.
The company has invested significantly in technology and facilities, which include a high-tech complex for growing virus-free mini-tubers and strategically located field nurseries at different vertical zonal levels. This setup maximizes the efficiency of using favourable natural, climatic, and phytosanitary conditions for producing high-quality seed potatoes.
The company offers a diverse range of potato seeds, including varieties that are resistant to nematodes, various diseases and for various climatic zones. Notably, the “Sprinter” variety is heat-resistant and can thrive in hot, tropical and sub-tropical climates of countries like India, Africa, Bangaldesh, Philipines, Srilanka, Bhutan and South East Asia . This early, oval-shaped table variety has excellent taste and impressive yields of up to 75 tons per hectare. Notably, It is resistant to nematodes, late blight, Virus Y, Virus L, common scab, and is moderately resistant to mechanical damage.
In addition, the mid-early table variety “Sadon” boasts yields of up to 85 tons per hectare and demonstrates resistance to drought, nematodes, late blight, Virus Y, Virus L, and common scab. The early ripening variety “Lady Claire,” known for its yellow skin and flesh, is a chip variety featuring elongated tubers and resistance to common diseases. Other popular varieties include Arrow, Riviera, Impala, and many more, each with its unique features such as resistance to leaf curl virus, potato cancer, and Yn Virus, while maintaining good yields.
A Platform for Knowledge Exchange
The forum is rapidly becoming a prominent platform for exchanging experiences and knowledge on international-class potato seeds. In future also it will play a vital role in the global scenario, fostering collaboration among agricultural experts and stakeholders from various countries
The forum featured a series of presentations from esteemed scientific experts and industry representatives who shared their knowledge and experience in the field of potato production. The event served as a vital platform for farmers, leading specialists, scientists, agronomists, and producers to exchange experiences and discuss current issues in the agricultural sector. Participants learned about modern methods and technologies used in production, discussed ways to improve product quality, and explored the industry’s development prospects.
Throughout the conference, discussions focused on various challenges and issues related to modern potato breeding. The organizers provided attendees with the opportunity to visit FAT-AGRO’s demonstration fields and laboratories, where the latest technologies for potato cultivation and seed production were showcased. This hands-on experience allowed participants from various companies, scientific organizations and global clients to exchange insights and establish valuable contacts for future cooperation.
Showcasing Innovations in Potato Production
The forum, held for the 11th time, allowed participants to witness the impressive work of FAT-AGRO’s selection and seed centre. Attendees explored the company’s demonstration fields, which showcased over 40 varieties of potatoes, highlighting both new promising domestic varieties and those in high demand in the seed and commercial potato market. The varieties also inlcuded seed potatoes developed by FAT AGRO LLC suitable to other climatic zones other than Russia.
Key topics discussed during the event included modern methods of obtaining and clonal propagation of in-vitro material, technologies for growing mini-tubers, and the unique challenges associated with producing original seed potatoes in highland conditions. The forum also addressed modern technologies for storing, sorting, and packaging seed lots of potatoes aimed at import substitution.
The Final Say
FAT-AGRO LLC’s commitment to advancing potato breeding technologies was clearly evident throughout the forum. By hosting this significant event, the company not only reinforced its position as a leader in the seed potato industry in Russia but also demonstrated its dedication to fostering collaboration and innovation across all the countries. With a focus on quality and sustainability, FAT-AGRO LLC continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of potato production, both locally and globally. Its investment in research and development, combined with a comprehensive understanding of challenges in potato farming, positions the company as a key player in the global potato landscape.
