The 2025 spring sowing season in the Novgorod region was marked by relentless rains, forcing farmers to adapt quickly. According to the regional Ministry of Agriculture, producers had to select drier fields, switch crops, and use lighter machinery to complete sowing. Despite these hurdles, they achieved remarkable results—exceeding the initial target of 32,200 hectares by 6%, reaching 34,200 hectares.
Key Achievements in Crop Sowing
- Vegetable crops: Planted area exceeded the plan by 3.6%, with the Novgorod, Chudovsky, and Shimsky districts leading the way.
- Potatoes: Sowing volumes matched last year’s levels, with Borovichsky, Novgorod, Soletsky, and Shimsky districts contributing the most.
- Rapeseed: Saw a 40% increase compared to 2024, reflecting growing demand for oilseed crops.
Government Support and Future Challenges
The regional government allocated 70% of its annual agricultural budget in Q1 2025 to support spring sowing efforts. Additional subsidies were provided for farm machinery purchases. The next challenge is securing over 100,000 tons of succulent feed for winter livestock maintenance—a task officials are confident can be achieved with favorable weather.
Novgorod’s farmers have demonstrated resilience and adaptability, turning a difficult season into a success story. Strategic planning, timely subsidies, and efficient resource management were key to overcoming extreme conditions. With continued support, the region is well-positioned for a strong harvest in 2025.
