The agricultural branch “Yubileiny-Agro” of the OJSC “Gomselmash” conglomerate is currently showcasing a masterclass in efficient potato harvesting. According to Director Sergey Drozd, the enterprise has already harvested 6 out of 12 planted hectares, yielding 185 tons of tubers. This translates to an impressive average yield of over 300 centners per hectare (30 metric tons per hectare).
This level of productivity is not accidental. It is the result of a tightly integrated system combining high-quality genetics, modern machinery, and, most critically, skilled human capital. The harvest is entrusted to an experienced operator, Dmitry Totikov, who boasts over 30 years of experience. He operates a Belarus 1523 tractor paired with a PKK-2-05 trailed potato harvester, a combination designed for efficiency and minimal tuber damage.
The reported yield of 30 t/ha sits well above the global average. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the average world potato yield for 2022 was approximately 21.7 t/ha. This achievement aligns with data from leading potato-producing regions in Western Europe and North America, where advanced mechanization and precision farming are standard. It underscores the significant yield gap that can be closed through professional farm management and proper equipment utilization.
The PKK-2-05 combine itself is a key component. Modern trailed and self-propified harvesters are engineered for high throughput and gentle product handling, featuring adjustable digging webs, cleaning webs, and sorting tables to reduce soil content and physical damage. This results in a higher marketable yield and better storage potential.
Furthermore, the enterprise’s plan for product utilization is a model of strategic marketing. By diverting portions of the harvest to parent company employees at “Gomselmash” and “Gomelsky Casting and Normals Plant,” they secure a stable, direct-to-consumer sales channel. Simultaneously, supplying district fairs ensures a premium price in the local fresh market, maximizing profitability.
The operator’s role throughout the growing season is also noteworthy. Mr. Totikov was previously engaged in spring corn sowing and summer forage pressing, demonstrating the versatile use of a powerful tractor platform like the Belarus 1523 across different enterprises within a diversified farm. This maximizes the return on investment for high-horsepower assets.
The success at “Yubileiny-Agro” provides a clear blueprint for achieving elite potato yields. It is a testament to the fact that technology alone is not a silver bullet. The highest returns are realized through a synergistic approach: investing in reliable, high-capacity machinery; retaining and valuing experienced, versatile operators; and implementing a diversified sales strategy that captures value both internally and on the open market. For farm owners and managers, this case reinforces that operational excellence—the seamless integration of man and machine—remains the most reliable driver of productivity and profit.
