Rostov-based Helios to build 200-million ruble selection and seed-growing center - authorities

ROSTOV-ON-DON. March 13 (Interfax) - Helios LLC (specializing in growing grains, leguminous crops and oilseeds) will build a selection and seed-growing center in the Neklinovsky district of the Rostov region, regional Minister of Agriculture and Food Konstantin Rachalovsky said at a press conference Wednesday at the Interfax Press Center in Rostov.

The company plans to invest about 200 million rubles in the project. The funds invested will be partially reimbursed through government programs.

"Helios is constructing a selection and seed-growing center for the production of seeds for winter wheat and other agricultural crops. At the initial stage, this will involve the seed production of hybrids and domestic winter wheat and sunflower selection varieties with the full cycle from cultivation to packaging in a volume of 5,000 tonnes," Rachalovsky said.

The range of crops and production volumes will increase in the future depending on demand in the seed market, Rachalovsky said.

In addition, a number of seed farms in the region are modernizing existing production facilities (Kirov Stud Farm LLC, Kirov LLC and others).

Helios LLC was registered in the region's Neklinovsky district in 2009. The company specializes in growing grains (except for rice), legumes and oilseeds. The Unified State Register of Legal Entities shows that 51% of the shares belong to Yuri Napolov, while 49% are owned by the Director, Vladimir Litvinov.