Selection and seed-production of high-quality seed potato in the Northwest of Russia

The Northwest of Russia keeps a leading place in areas under crops and total area of potatoes in the Russian Federation. However, recently there appeared a negative tendency in this branch of agriculture. This tendency results in a reduction of a share of areas under crops by large agricultural producers and growing of these areas in a small private sector. This situation is a result of a state policy absence on stimulation of the production development of this culture and insufficient attention to the development of scientific research and innovative processes as a whole. On some basic parameters of potato production in the Northwest of Russia has an opportunity to be highly competitive and become a basis for stable development of the region. For many years the Northwest takes Leading place in areas under crops and croppage of potato in the Russian Federation. According to historical realities, soil-climatic conditions and presence of highly authoritative school of selectors of potatoes, this region, and in particular Leningrad region, is justified to consider potato production as a strategically important culture capable of making a competition inside the country and abroad and to provide employment of rural population and sustainable development of the region.