A farm in the Stolin district grows tomatoes in ultra-smart greenhouses. Climate control and no chemical treatments: a farm in the Stolin district grows tomatoes in ultra-smart greenhouses. Stolinskie Olshany has long been rightfully considered the cucumber capital of Belarus. Recently, thanks to the hard work and business acumen of its local residents, this largest agricultural town in the Brest region has further strengthened its position in vegetable growing. Juicy and flavorful tomatoes, sweet peppers, cabbage, greens, and, of course, cucumbers are grown here almost year-round, supplying all corners of the country. Long rows of film-covered greenhouses resemble a boundless sea from afar. Nearby, modern metal and glass structures rise, where natural, vitamin-rich produce is produced using the latest technology. No Big Secrets: At the Seminis farm, fifth-generation greenhouses covering two hectares were commissioned five years ago. Even in Olshany, a city well-established in greenhouse vegetable production, such facilities can be counted on the fingers of one hand. They feature constant climate control with an optimal temperature for plant comfort, as well as a high level of automation. Vegetable grower Praskovya Mozol. They focused on tomatoes. This year, despite a frosty and snowy winter, the first harvest was collected at the end of March, and production is gradually increasing. Vladimir Klochko, head of the farm, invites us under the glass arches, where hydroponic plants, with tomatoes turning pink at the bottom, gleam in the bright spring sun. The experienced farmer carefully adjusts the large leaves, which exude a unique aroma: "We planted tomatoes last October, and we won't be harvesting the last batch until next November. They grow up to 20 meters in length over the season." After we pick the ripe vegetables, we lower the stems hanging on the twine and remove the leaves. This allows the young shoots to reach for the sunlight, bloom, and form new ovaries. Vladimir Klochko. Bumblebees are used for pollination—they are quite effective in greenhouse conditions, active in moderate temperatures and high humidity, and are also non-aggressive. We watch the insects leisurely fly from flower to flower. Thanks to these hard workers, the greenhouse owner explains, tomato yields increase by a third or more. A Big Family Affair. Vladimir Klochko and his family have been growing vegetables for many years. Like all Olsha residents, they started with simple greenhouses covered with plastic film, heated with firewood, wood trimmings, and, at best, peat briquettes. They spent days and nights above the beds to protect the plants from night frosts and sudden temperature changes. Today, technology is cutting-edge. A smart and efficient heating system runs on wood chips. The operator adjusts the settings to maintain a comfortable temperature for the plants in any weather. Special curtains are installed under the glass roof.Shading plants on hot, sunny days. Simply press a button on the remote control, and they cover the spacious rooms, protecting them from outside heat. Thanks to this innovation, the greenhouses are three to five degrees cooler than outside. The farmer explains, "The nights are cool now, and at night we close the curtains to retain the heat. This saves significant fuel. During the day, we maximize solar radiation for plant growth." Vladimir Klochko and his wife, Natalia, raised seven children. The youngest, Nikita, recently returned from the army and is his parents' first assistant. However, his siblings and other relatives have plenty to do at any time of year. They not only need to grow, but also harvest and sell the crops in a timely manner, remove old plants in late autumn, prepare the greenhouses, and plant new seeds. FOR YOUR INFORMATION: There are 77 farms in the Stolin District. Most specialize in growing vegetables, including indoors, accounting for about half of the republic's total production. Vasily Litvinkevich, First Deputy Chairman of the Stolin District Executive Committee and Head of the District Agricultural Food Department, notes that the most successful vegetable growers grow tomatoes: "At the end of last year, as part of the President's instructions under the "One District - One Project" program, a large greenhouse complex for year-round tomato cultivation was built at the OlshanyAgro farm. The goal for the future is to equip the greenhouses with a supplementary lighting system to increase yields. Widespread adoption of such technologies requires additional energy capacity. This issue is currently being developed."At the end of last year, as part of the President's instructions under the "One District, One Project" program, a large greenhouse complex for year-round tomato cultivation was built at the OlshanyAgro farm. The long-term goal is to equip the greenhouses with a supplementary lighting system to increase yields. Widespread adoption of such technologies requires additional energy capacity. This is currently being developed.At the end of last year, as part of the President's instructions under the "One District, One Project" program, a large greenhouse complex for year-round tomato cultivation was built at the OlshanyAgro farm. The long-term goal is to equip the greenhouses with a supplementary lighting system to increase yields. Widespread adoption of such technologies requires additional energy capacity. This is currently being developed.