Belarusian agricultural organizations rely heavily on domestically bred seeds. This was announced by Nikolai Leshik, Head of the Main Department of Plant Production at the Ministry of Agriculture and Food, at a press conference dedicated to preparations for spring fieldwork.

According to him, approximately three dozen new Belarusian-bred agricultural crop varieties are submitted for state testing every year. Approximately 70% of these meet the stated yield and quality specifications, after which they are approved for use on farms. This year, new varieties of winter and spring grain crops, as well as rapeseed, are planned for testing.

For major grain crops, including wheat, barley, and oats, the share of domestically bred seeds exceeded 80% last year, and for some crops, it reached 90%. The volume of prepared seed material allows for the complete supply of Belarusian varieties for crops, although in some cases, farms continue to use high-yielding foreign hybrids.

In the potato segment, the ratio of domestic and foreign varieties is roughly equal. Foreign varieties are primarily used for processing—for the production of French fries, chips, and other products. Meanwhile, the country is fully self-sufficient in planting material for food potatoes and even has the capacity to export them.

However, dependence on imported sugar beet seeds remains. Currently, the country uses only four hybrids suitable for industrial cultivation. Belarusian scientists are working together with Russian specialists to develop new varieties. By 2030, the share of domestically and jointly bred seeds is expected to increase to at least 10%.