On March 31, 2025, the Kostroma branch of the Tver Testing Laboratory of the Federal Center for Animal Health Protection (under the Rosselkhoznadzor authority) completed extensive phytosanitary examinations of nine batches of Lucinda variety seed potatoes, totaling 180 tons. The potatoes, cultivated by a leading agricultural enterprise in the Kostroma region, have been cleared for export to Uzbekistan, following comprehensive compliance inspections.
Sampling and testing procedures were conducted by specialists from the Rosselkhoznadzor office for the Vladimir, Kostroma, and Ivanovo regions. According to the Uzbekistan phytosanitary requirements, imported seed potatoes must be free from six types of quarantine pests, seven types of nematodes, two fungal diseases (including potato wart), two bacterial diseases, and ten types of viral infections. The Kostroma samples passed all these checks without a single violation.
Following the successful tests, official test protocols and quarantine phytosanitary certificates were issued to the exporting company. This ensures the seed potatoes meet Uzbekistan’s strict import standards, enabling a smooth cross-border transfer scheduled for the near future.
The Lucinda variety, known for its high yield potential and resistance to several common potato diseases, is gaining popularity in Central Asia due to its adaptability to different climatic conditions. According to global data, the international seed potato market is growing steadily, with exports forecasted to rise by 6.2% annually from 2024 to 2030. Russia, traditionally a strong domestic producer, is increasingly becoming a serious player in the export market, with Kostroma’s latest shipment serving as a prime example.
Uzbekistan itself has been investing heavily in agricultural modernization and seed quality improvements. According to the World Bank, Uzbekistan’s agricultural sector contributes over 25% to its GDP, with a growing emphasis on enhancing crop yields through improved planting materials like certified seed potatoes.
The successful certification and upcoming export of 180 tons of Lucinda seed potatoes from Kostroma to Uzbekistan highlight the strength and potential of Russia’s seed potato industry on the international stage. With rigorous quality controls and expanding global demand, Russian growers are well-positioned to capture new markets and contribute to agricultural advancements abroad.
