The Minsk Greenhouse Complex continues year-round vegetable production using supplemental lighting technology. The enterprise was among the first in Belarus to introduce all-season cultivation of cucumbers, leafy greens and salads based on Dutch greenhouse technologies.
The company operates two production sites. Cucumbers are supplied to retail chains, school catering facilities and hospitals. Monthly cucumber output reaches approximately 300 tonnes. In 2025, the enterprise harvested a record 4,974 tonnes of vegetables, an increase of more than 600 tonnes compared to the previous year.
Seeds for winter production are planted in September to secure stable harvests from November through April. When natural light levels drop, artificial lighting systems are activated. Management reports that doubling light intensity significantly improves yields, although electricity accounts for up to 60% of production costs during winter.
The greenhouse climate is fully computerized and supported by four heating systems. Nutrient solutions are prepared individually for each crop and adjusted according to plant development stages. Biological plant protection methods are applied, including beneficial insects for pest control and bumblebees for pollination.
One cucumber plant produces around 4 kg per month and up to 20 kg per season. Extending the fruiting period is a key strategy to reduce production costs by limiting the need for new substrates and seeds.
Tomatoes are also grown at the facility, with harvest expected in one to one and a half months.
A project for additional greenhouse construction has been developed and is currently under economic evaluation to determine future specialization.
Source: belta.by
