ASU Develops Programmes to Improve Ecology of the Region

Deputy of the State Duma of the 7th convocation, member of the State Duma Committee on Ecology and Environmental Protection, Head of the Astrakhan branch of the Russian Ecological Society Aleksandr Klykanov has visited Astrakhan State University.

The purpose of the visit was to discuss the practical implementation of technologies to combat desertification and improve the environmental situation in Astrakhan Region, as well as to initiate state programmes in the region to address this challenge.

During his visit, Aleksandr Klykanov got acquainted with the laboratories and research centers of the ASU Technopark and the Educational Experimental Facility Nachalo.

The staff of the Innovative Institute of Natural Sciences — the Biological Faculty and the Faculty of Agribusiness, Technology & Veterinary Medicine — presented projects aimed at improving the environmental situation and increasing the agricultural potential of Astrakhan Region, being implemented within the framework of the Priority 2030 programme (strategic projects “Improving Environmental Security and Preserving Natural Systems of the Region” and “Caspian Incubator of Agro-Bio-Technologies”).

The guest was told about a project of using aquaponics, combining the cultivation of hydrobionts with the cultivation of plants without soil, as one of the new areas of research.

In the field of agriculture, Aleksandr Klykanov commended the project of cultivation and adaptation of cotton varieties to create a collection of donors and selection of highly productive varieties; innovative technologies for creating live food, feed additives, compound feeds for valuable aquaculture facilities, as well as technologies for using bacteriophages in food production and processing of agricultural products of animal origin.

The final object of the inspection was an experimental area created in 2021 to combat desertification, where biological products are tested in various versions in combination with phytomeliorative methods of soil restoration.

Discussing further cooperation, the participants reached an agreement on drawing up an analytical report and initiating state support for the programme to combat desertification and strengthen the environmental security of Astrakhan Region.