As the sugar beet harvest kicks into high gear in the Zainsk District, the weather couldn’t be more favorable. Warm, sunny days without rain have created the ideal conditions for harvesting, and the farmers are making the most of it. Working from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m., the beet farmers are in full swing, driven by both the need to complete the harvest before the weather changes and the satisfaction of seeing a bountiful crop.
At the heart of the operation is the agricultural firm “Zai”, which has dedicated 3,699 hectares of land to sugar beet cultivation this year. So far, they have successfully harvested 430 hectares, with the work progressing smoothly under optimal conditions. As agronomy consultant Zinnur Kurtaev observes, “When the weather is good, everything runs smoothly. The mechanists are making full use of every opportunity to finish the beet harvest in a short time.”
Skilled Hands and Modern Equipment Drive Success
Behind the wheel of the beet harvesters are seasoned professionals who have spent years perfecting their craft. Two standout mechanists, Rasim Miftaev and Aidar Galimov, hail from the village of Nizhnie Luzi and are well-known for their expertise in the field. This marks their sixteenth season of cultivating and harvesting sugar beets on the “Igenche” farm, part of the “Kadyrovo” production complex. This year, they are responsible for a 56-hectare beet field near the village of Durt-Muncha.
Miftaev, who has been working in agriculture since 2001, shared his experience: “In the spring, I plant, and in the fall, I harvest. Working from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. in comfortable machinery is not difficult, especially with hot meals delivered to the field twice a day. All you need to do is keep working, don’t be lazy.” His familiarity with the nuances of beet farming—sensitive to drought and weed pressure—has helped him ensure a productive harvest on 250 hectares this year alone.
Galimov, whose career spans nearly 40 years, continues a family tradition in agriculture. Following in his father Gabdulkhai’s footsteps, he has consistently been a leading figure in the region’s farming community. “This year’s harvest is very good. We started digging beets on August 21, and already mountains of beets are piling up in the fields. Each agricultural season is different from the last. Over the years, I’ve seen both good and bad seasons, and I’m glad this one has been fruitful,” said the veteran mechanist.
Teamwork and Timing: The Keys to Agricultural Success
In agriculture, where every day counts, there is little room for downtime. The economic success of the farming enterprise depends on the coordinated efforts of the entire team. The farmers in Zainsk know this well, and their dedication is evident. From precise sowing schedules in the spring to careful harvesting in the fall, the work is relentless but rewarding.
This season, as the sugar beet harvest progresses, the focus remains on efficiency and quality. With the right timing, modern technology, and a well-organized team, the farmers are poised to meet their production goals. “We’ll take a brief rest in the winter, but for now, it’s our busiest time of year. We have tasks to complete, and we will deliver,” say the hardworking agrarians.
The 2024 sugar beet season in Zainsk District showcases the strength of expertise, hard work, and organization in overcoming challenges and maximizing opportunities. With favorable weather conditions and a dedicated team of mechanists, the harvest is progressing smoothly, promising a successful yield that will contribute significantly to the region’s agricultural economy. As the farmers continue their work, the combination of tradition, skill, and modern technology remains at the heart of their achievements.