Despite the end of the traditional agricultural season, Borovichi farmer Ivan Geletey is pushing innovation by testing a new cabbage harvesting combine. This equipment, which was showcased to regional officials during an agricultural development meeting, addresses the increasing challenges of labor shortages and physically intense harvesting tasks. The machine operates on fields between the villages of Bor and Berezitsy, cutting through the green expanse of white cabbage.
Previously, harvesting cabbage required a substantial workforce, with farm laborers manually cutting and hauling heavy heads of cabbage. The new harvester allows operations to be managed by just two tractor drivers and a small team sorting the produce in a trailer. This streamlined approach not only saves time but also reduces the reliance on a large labor force, a crucial factor given the ongoing difficulty in attracting farm workers. Even generous wages have failed to draw enough hands to the fields.
Geletey’s new machinery works efficiently, slicing two to two and a half heads of cabbage per second while moving at a speed of four kilometers per hour. The collected cabbage is then transported to a storage base, ready to be processed and preserved for winter. This technological leap, while not directly boosting crop yields, has a significant impact on farm efficiency and the post-harvest handling of produce.
Additionally, Geletey’s farm is utilizing advanced automation, such as a palletizer—a first in Novgorod Oblast—that can package up to nine tons of produce per hour. This machine has drastically improved logistics, particularly in loading produce for distribution to retail networks, taking just two and a half hours to prepare shipments.
Despite unpredictable and less-than-ideal weather conditions this year, the farm’s strategic adoption of technology has helped surpass agricultural output targets. In a regional meeting, First Deputy Minister of Agriculture for Novgorod Oblast, Irina Shcherban, expressed optimism that the region would see a 3% increase in vegetable production compared to last year. This aligns with national goals to boost agricultural output by 25%, with strategic plans and farmer support measures already being drafted for each municipality.
However, the challenge of securing a stable workforce remains. As noted by regional Minister of Agriculture Viktor Vitvitsky, while budget allocations for supporting agriculture are still being determined, plans are in place to ensure substantial assistance. Over the next five years, new technologies like Geletey’s harvester are expected to be crucial in addressing labor gaps while enhancing productivity.
The adoption of modern technology in agriculture, as demonstrated by Ivan Geletey’s use of a cabbage harvester, marks a significant step forward in solving labor challenges and improving efficiency. With the right support and strategic planning, Novgorod Oblast’s farming sector can achieve even higher production targets, setting a precedent for innovation in Russian agriculture.
