To obtain high-quality meal, it is necessary to use only fresh and clean raw materials.
Rapeseed and sunflower should be harvested at optimal times, when plants contain the maximum amount of nutrients.
The meal should be stored in clean, dry, and light-inaccessible rooms. The packaging should be tight and airtight to prevent the influence of moisture and air, which can contribute to the development of mold and bacteria.
During the production of meal, it is necessary to regularly test and control the content of beneficial substances, such as proteins, vitamins, and minerals.
"Our branch evaluates the quality of the meal based on indicators such as color, smell, content of crude protein, crude fiber, ash, moisture, presence of toxic elements, level of pest infestation, and other parameters," emphasized Natalie Morsakova, the quality manager of the branch.
The branch conducts comprehensive research on the content of pesticides, mycotoxins, genetically modified organisms, heavy metals, and radioactive substances in the meal using modern methods, including gas and liquid chromatography, Kjeldahl method, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
From the beginning of 2025 until January 31, the branch received two batches of meal for testing compliance with GOST 11048-95 "Rapeseed meal. Technical specifications" and GOST 8096 "Sunflower meal. Technical specifications." In 2024, 44 samples of meal were analyzed, of which 26 were rapeseed and 18 were sunflower.
"In 2024, discrepancies were found in 4 samples in terms of the mass fraction of total ash, crude protein, and crude fat," noted Natalie Morsakova.
According to the information from the Ministry of Agriculture and Food of the Republic of Tatarstan, the production potential of rapeseed and sunflower meal in the region continues to grow.
In 2024, the areas allocated for rapeseed increased by 21% to 165.8 thousand hectares, and sunflower grew by 16% to 219.4 thousand hectares. The yield of these crops also demonstrated growth: the collected rapeseed reached 276.1 thousand tons, which is 95% more than in 2023, and the sunflower yield was 432.9 thousand tons, increasing by 42% compared to the previous year.
The activity of the branch of the Federal State Budgetary Institution "TSOK APK" in the Republic of Tatarstan contributes to the improvement of the quality of agricultural products, strengthening food security, and supporting local agricultural goods producers.