Russia Grows Black Tomatoes Without Soil Using AI and Smart Farming Tech

A high-tech greenhouse in southern Russia has harvested its first batch of black tomatoes, grown using hydroponics, aeroponics, and AI-powered climate systems.

In the Ikryaninsky District of Russia’s Astrakhan Region, the Kedr greenhouse complex has produced its first harvest of black tomatoes. These dark, richly flavored fruits are ideal for salads and juice. Their cultivation was made possible through cutting-edge agricultural technologies, including hydroponics, aeroponics, and climate control systems driven by artificial intelligence, according to Caspian Capital.

Since 2017, the company has been building out a large-scale initiative for year-round vegetable production. In 2022, it launched a 10-hectare greenhouse complex that relies entirely on innovative soil-free methods. The total investment reached nearly 3 billion rubles (around $33 million), with regional government support through tax breaks and subsidies.

By 2024, production volumes hit 8,600 metric tons, and the cultivated area expanded to 8.6 hectares. The facility created 280 jobs and supplies produce to major retail chains and the local market.

Kedr’s success showcases how advanced technology is reshaping Russian agriculture. The company now plans to double the size of its complex, adding another 10 hectares to further scale its high-quality vegetable production.