In Astrakhan Oblast, the season for growing lettuce and early-maturing onions has begun. The first harvest of Iceberg lettuce and green onions (variety Candy) is scheduled for May 17 at the Belaya Dacha Volga farm in the Privolzhsky District. However, none of this fresh produce will remain in the region—instead, it will be shipped to other parts of Russia.
Investment Project with Big Ambitions
The Belaya Dacha Volga project, launched in 2022, is already delivering impressive results. Over its five-year development plan, the farm aims to reach full production capacity. Currently, it grows not only Iceberg lettuce but also Romaine, Frisée, and (in autumn) Rodichio. Additionally, the farm specializes in early green onions (Candy variety), which mature in just 80 days, ensuring rapid delivery to market.
In 2023, the farm experimented with cauliflower cultivation, and this year, it plans to boost yields on a 2.5-hectare plot. There are also discussions about introducing greenhouse tomato production.
Why Doesn’t Astrakhan Keep Its Own Produce?
All harvested lettuce and onions are sent to Belaya Dacha processing plants in Yelabuga, Novosibirsk, Moscow, and Krasnodar, as well as directly to retail chains. The reason? The farm’s business model is built around supplying raw materials for processing and packaging in other regions, where the greens are washed, packed, or used in ready-made meals.
Government Support for Astrakhan’s Agriculture
Astrakhan’s Governor, Igor Babushkin, emphasized the importance of crop production for the region:
“This year alone, over 400 million rubles in federal subsidies will be allocated for its development. In total, more than 1.2 billion rubles are planned to support local farmers, including under the national project Technological Support for Food Security.”
Astrakhan’s Belaya Dacha Volga is a prime example of efficient, large-scale agricultural production, supplying high-demand fresh produce to major Russian markets. While the region itself may not consume its own harvest, the project strengthens Russia’s food supply chain and benefits from strong government backing.
