The results of the hard work in breeding and seed production were presented by the scientists of the research institute to the members of the regional commission, headed by the Minister of Agriculture of the Irkutsk Region, Marina Kozharina. These are the outcomes of field experiments and the results of the initial selection of local seed varieties.
Today, at the nursery and on the fields of the research institute located in the Ushakovsky administrative district, they are testing 16 varieties of cereal crops: wheat, oats, and barley.
The research institute staff successfully carried out planting on 161 hectares and prepared 121 hectares of fallow land. Next up is harvesting and studying the crops. The scientists assessed the yield of each variety and told the commission about their characteristics.
Research is being conducted on 16 varieties of locally bred seeds in our fields. Fourteen of them are Tulun varieties, developed at our branch at the Tulun Breeding Station. During the studies, different types of fertilizers are tested, and the effects of weather conditions and soil composition are examined, said Ivan Bulatnikov, a research associate at the NIISKh Laboratory of Breeding and Seed Production.
Scientists are especially proud of the progeny testing nurseries. This is where eight crops of the first and second year of age are born and grow. Like any children, these plants need special care. Scientists do a lot of work by hand.
In particular, Firuz Mirvaliev, Deputy Director of the Agricultural Research Institute (NIISKh), reported that in 2025 the institute patented three new varieties: "Tulunskaya Marsianka," "Tulunskie Zori," and "Tulunskaya Agata." The organization is currently engaged in their cultivation. Marina Kozharina emphasized that the research findings would be shared with agricultural producers.
"This is a major and important undertaking by the scientists. The study and use of locally bred seeds are a prerequisite for our food security," she noted. The leaders also discussed the potential for the Agricultural Research Institute to participate in the national project "Technological Support for Food Security".