The role of biotechnology in increasing the profitability of domestic breeding: analysis of the impact of import restrictions

In the context of increasing geopolitical challenges and the introduction of quotas on seed imports from unfriendly countries in 2024, the domestic seed industry has received a powerful impetus for development. Biotechnological approaches, primarily genetic engineering, molecular selection and digital phenotyping, open up new opportunities for the accelerated development of highly productive hybrids resistant to phytopathogens. Increasing the profitability of domestic breeding is largely determined by the effective use of scientific achievements in the field of biotechnology, as well as optimal government support measures. This paper analyzes the impact of import restrictions on the growth of the use of domestically bred seeds for six key crops (sunflower, soybeans, corn, sugar beet, spring rape and potatoes). Statistical data on the level of seed self-sufficiency for the period 2019-2024 are provided, as well as details of seed use in 2024 by federal districts. The obtained results demonstrate the increasing dynamics of the share of Russian seeds, especially in the sunflower and corn segments, as a result of reduced imports from a number of countries and increased domestic investment in research projects. The scientific significance of the study lies in substantiating the role of biotechnology in increasing the profitability of domestic selection: the use of modern methods of genomic editing, molecular markers and new algorithms for selecting promising hybrids can significantly reduce the time it takes to create competitive seeds.