Russia: Teplitsy Belogorya modernises 20 ha of greenhouses

One of the major greenhouse complexes of the Belgorod region, 'Teplitsy Belogorya', is modernising its production facilities. 20 ha of greenhouses will be updated. That was reported by the company's general director, Anatoly Tarasov. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, a total of 119m RUB (2 million USD) will be allocated to Teplitsy Belogorya.

Some Russian cities approach the European and American consumption pattern, where there is a wide choice of vegetables every day, says Tamara Reshetnikova, General Director, Growth Technologies. “To make it possible, it is required to establish a large number of complexes with photoculture.”

Outdated facilities are not energy-saving; seasonality also is an obstacle, adds Tamara Reshetnikova. According to Mr. Tarasov, high value of energy resources influences the cost of the products. To cut the price of greenhouse vegetables, it is required to reduce the cost of electricity. To address this bottleneck, the managing board of 'Teplitsy Belogorya' decided to commission an in-house power generating station. Now the cost of 1 kW amounts to 2 RUB (0.03 EUR), compared to 3-4 RUB (0.05-0.07 USD) previously.

Crops at the project, which was inaugurated in 2013, include several varieties of tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, aubergines. “Unlike European greenhouses, specializing in only one or a few varieties of a vegetable, we are focusing on various vegetables,” says Mr. Tarasov, “For us it is necessary to adapt to the market demand”.

The profit made last year amounted to 900m RUB (15 million USD), including a 400m RUB (6.8 million USD) loan. Mr. Tarasov outlines, that is almost half of the revenue! But still, banks do not grant loans on different terms”. The company plans to expand the production: additional 6 ha of greenhouses will be built soon.

Source: Agroinvestor / Agro Greenhouse Complexes Russia