NIKA LLC has been an innovator in the field of growing elite seed potatoes for more than three decades. Founded in 1991 by Sergei Ivanovich Pavlovich, a former researcher at the Belarusian Institute of Potato and Vegetable Growing, NIKA has maintained traditions of quality and innovation. Every year the company produces more than 1,500 tons of elite seed potatoes, satisfying high market demand domestically and abroad, particularly in Kazakhstan and Russia.
Connecting past and present: NIKA’s legacy and global connections
NIKA’s roots lie in collaboration with European countries such as Poland, Germany and the former Czechoslovakia. Sergei Pavlovich’s participation in joint breeding programs, in particular with the German Potato Research Institute (later Norika GmbH), laid a solid foundation for the current activities of NIKA. Today, NIKA continues to produce certified elite seed potatoes under the strict supervision of Norika GmbH, ensuring the highest quality standards.
In 2024, NIKA plans to supply about 800 tons of seed potatoes to Kazakhstan and more than 400 tons to Russia, and the rest to Belarusian consumers. Potatoes are stored in climate-controlled facilities with a capacity of 3,500 tons, ensuring optimal conditions from harvest to spring shipment.
Expanding Horizons: Growth and Technological Advances
Since its creation, NIKA has increased the area under crops from 132 to 280 hectares, which made it possible to implement a four-field crop rotation. This expansion was supported by significant investment in modern agricultural machinery, including potato harvesters costing over €200,000 each. NIKA also grows other crops such as peas, winter rapeseed and winter wheat, diversifying its agricultural products.
The farm infrastructure was expanded through the construction of a second storage facility and the expansion of the agricultural machinery fleet. These achievements reflect NIKA’s commitment to continuous improvement and adaptation to modern agricultural needs.
Heartbeat NIKA: Dedicated work and family traditions
A key factor in NIKA’s success is its dedicated staff, many of whom have been with the company since its early days. One such example is warehouse manager Lyubov Stepanovna Shulyak, whose dedication and leadership created a family atmosphere among employees. Her granddaughter Daria Shulyak is part of a younger generation contributing to NIKA’s legacy, exemplifying the strong family ties and dedication that define the company.
Mechanic Viktor Shelko and his son Vladimir are further evidence of the company’s inclusive and supportive environment. Victor’s journey from a conscript after the army to an experienced mechanic who now works alongside his son highlights the opportunities that NIKA provides for professional growth and family involvement.
NIKA LLC is an example of excellence in the seed potato industry, combining tradition with innovation. Strategic partnerships, investments in advanced technology and a dedicated workforce have made NIKA a leader in agricultural production. The company’s success story lies not only in the cultivation of elite seed potatoes, but also in the development of a society in which love for the land and commitment to quality go hand in hand.