Zhuchenkov Readings X: “Mosaic” varieties – the foundation of food security

      On September 8–11, 2026, an International Scientific and Practical Conference was held, dedicated to the 95th anniversary of the founding of the Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution “Federal Scientific Center of Rice.” The key event of the conference was the Zhuchenkov Readings X: “Mosaic” of varieties – the foundation of food security.

     The conference was opened by the director of the Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution “Federal Scientific Center for Rice,” corresponding member of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Sergei Valentinovich Garkusha. In his welcoming speech, he emphasized the importance of Russia’s food security. In 2025, the sown area for rice in the Russian Federation amounted to 198.5 thousand hectares, and the gross rice harvest was 1,194.4 thousand tons, with a yield of 63.0 centners per hectare; this made it possible to fully meet the needs of the Russian population. In the Krasnodar Territory, the gross rice harvest in 2025 amounted to 829.7 thousand tons, with a yield of 73.1 centners per hectare. The Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution “Federal Rice Research Center” has an area of 17 thousand hectares of land used for growing rice, wheat, barley, corn, peas, and vegetable crops. The register of protected breeding achievements of the Russian Federation includes 66 rice varieties, as well as 17 varieties and hybrids of vegetable and melon crops developed by the Center. The main task of the scientists at the Federal Rice Research Center is to provide effective scientific support for the rice-growing industry and to reduce the country’s domestic market’s dependence on imported rice groats.

     The Zhuchenkov Readings X were devoted to the development of the ideas of Academician Alexander Alexandrovich Zhuchenko in the field of food security in Russia. The Readings traditionally bring together the country’s leading scientists - academicians, corresponding members, doctors and candidates of sciences, as well as young researchers and students - on one platform. In his welcoming speech, Sergei Valentinovich noted the importance of this event for the exchange of experience and the search for new practical solutions. Vadim Grigorievich Gaidukov, Director of the Kuban Science Fund, also noted in his welcoming speech the key task of scientists in ensuring the country’s food security. Oleg Anatolyevich Razin, Director of the Federal State Budgetary Budgetary Institution "Federal Scientific Center for Feed Production and Agroecology named after V.R. Williams", also made a welcoming speech. He spoke about the importance of feed production in the development of animal husbandry and dairy industry in Russia. In his welcoming speech, Abdullo Marufovich Mansurov, Director of the Rice Research Institute of the Republic of Uzbekistan, noted the high achievements of Russian rice farmers in food production.

     On the first day of the conference, about 200 people attended the plenary session, and 22 reports by leading domestic and foreign scientists were presented. The participants discussed a wide range of issues that determine the development of modern breeding methods. The conference featured reports on the following crops: rice, wheat, soybeans, sunflowers, flax, as well as fodder and vegetable crops. At the plenary session, leading scientists from the following cities spoke: Krasnodar, Moscow, Novosibirsk, St. Petersburg, Lobnya, Kirov, Khabarovsk, Shchelkovo, Krymsk, Torzhok, Tashkent, and Canberra. In particular, Yuri Valentinovich Chesnokov, Director of the Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution “Agrophysical Research Institute” and Corresponding Member of the Russian Academy of Sciences, delivered a plenary video report. In his report, he particularly emphasized the importance of the relationship between adaptive crop production and precision agriculture, which Academician A.A. Zhuchenko discussed in his works. As the speaker emphasized, this interconnection is the foundation of food security at the current stage of development of the agro - industrial complex of the Russian Federation and is the key basis for the development of domestic agricultural science.

     An important event at the Zhuchenkov Readings X was the unveiling of a memorial plaque to Academician Alexander Alexandrovich Zhuchenko, which serves not only as a symbol of remembrance for the outstanding scientist but also as a library of his works, which can be accessed via a QR code. (https://disk.yandex.ru/d/Y4vzfrMR7YDrlw)

     The results of the plenary session were summed up by Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences Alexander Alexandrovich Zhuchenko Jr. He thanked the management, staff of the Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution “Federal Scientific Center for Rice” and all participants of the readings for organizing this event. Alexander Alexandrovich noted the high scientific and practical significance of the reports and presentations, which make a valuable contribution to the development of the theory and practice of agricultural production, including the training of young specialists.

     The next Zhuchenkov Readings XI will be held at the "P.P. Lukyanenko National Grain Center" in September 2027.