In the Tuymaz region of Bashkiria, the Vek state farm’s vegetable grower has successfully confronted challenges and cut costs through innovative agricultural strategies. Despite facing staffing shortages due to COVID-19 and increased market competition, the farm has achieved stability by embracing advanced agronomic techniques and upgrading its infrastructure.
Spanning three hectares, the farm employs smart technology to monitor and protect its tomato and cucumber crops in greenhouses. Utilizing sensors during morning checks, a team of 20 skilled vegetable growers from Uzbekistan captures images of potential issues in plant areas. These images are swiftly relayed to the agronomist, facilitating prompt decision-making, while the temperature and irrigation systems adjust based on these recommendations.
A pivotal shift involved the farm bypassing intermediaries and directly supplying vegetables to retail chains. This not only streamlined distribution but also reduced costs, enhancing the farm’s market competitiveness.
An inventive experiment further contributed to cost reduction: planting tomato seeds directly in cucumber seedling bags. By strategically cutting cucumber stems a few months later, the transition to the fruiting phase occurred seamlessly, resulting in a remarkable 40% reduction in costs related to bags, compost, and fertilizers.
Moreover, the Vek state farm implemented cost-saving measures, such as installing a diesel power station and adopting dual-circuit water heating in greenhouses. These measures not only enhance cost efficiency but also fortify the farm’s resilience against unforeseen expenses.
In the collaborative spirit, the farm actively engages in industry-wide practices, such as sharing surplus seedlings with other large farms. This cooperative approach fosters mutual support, contributing to a more sustainable and resilient agricultural community.
In essence, the success of the Vek state farm in Bashkiria exemplifies the transformative impact of technological innovation, strategic experimentation, and collaborative practices in reducing costs and fortifying resilience in the ever-evolving landscape of modern agriculture.
