North Caucasus breaks stereotypes

The North Caucasus has always been considered an agricultural region, which does not tend to technological development. Recently, the authorities in the North Caucasus Federal District are trying to break this stereotype by encouraging the development of not only agriculture, but also industry and tourism. Each republic is trying to find a brand that in the future could not only improve the image of the region inside and outside Russia, but also to bring actual profit. According to the Head of North Ossetia, Taymuraz Mamsurov, seed growing can become such a brand for the republic .

For extensive development, North Ossetia lacks a large area and favorable conditions. Therefore, in the sphere of agriculture the republic is implementing projects aimed at intensive development. According to Mamsurov, there are already several ongoing projects launched together with Swiss partners in order to establish a potato seed farming industry. "The work is actually completed. Now we have to go further, we will offer potato seeds to the entire country, which will solve many problems concerning this sphere of agriculture in other regions of Russia," Mamsurov said. "Seed is a unique thing. In fact, everything is done under a microscope in a vacuum. We employ both Swiss and local experts."

Seed growing in North Ossetia will not include potato seed farming only. The republic will also produce corn seed. "In Soviet times we used to produce maize seed, which a quarter of Russian regions used. Today we are also doing that. These projects, which are almost completed, will be our agricultural brand," the head of the republic said.

In addition, North Ossetia is going to develop the production of inert materials. According to Mamsurov, "even though these projects will not solve the problem of unemployment, because it's a high-tech production, but they will contribute to the development of the defense industry. Our main task is to revive Ossetian industry. 70% of the republic's industry once worked for the defense industry. Thanks to the new ministry and the personal efforts of Rogozin, this issue has become a separate topic in Ossetia."