A person in love with their profession has a power to inspire the same passion in everyone around them, just like plant protection agronomist Nadezhda Krylova. She works at EkoNiva’s Kaluga subdivision in Peremyshl district. The enthusiasm with which she talks about her job cannot leave anyone indifferent.

Nadezhda grew up in a family of agricultural workers. Her father was a machine operator, and her mother worked as a cow milker. As a young woman, however, Nadezhda did not initially plan to follow in her parents’ footsteps and studied hard to pursue a degree in accounting. But by chance, she ended up applying to the Department of Agronomy. From the very first weeks of study, it became clear that she found her calling.

‘I fell in love with agronomy and realised how wrong I had been, thinking that I could work in an office, doing the same routine tasks day after day’, says Nadezhda. ‘Now, I shudder to think how my life might have turned out if I had gone on to study accounting after all. It feels as if the fate itself led me to the job that makes me happy every single day.’

Nadezhda recalls that a woman agronomist used to be a rarity. She was often seen as an adventurer, but her dedication and great potential quickly won people over. Wherever she worked, Nadezhda was welcomed warmly and treated as a professional, regardless of the gender.

‘Today, of course, there are more and more women in our profession. The introduction of new technologies helps to make our work easier. There is far less physically demanding manual labour for agronomists now. However, the job requires great technical expertise and knowledge of innovations, which is even more exciting’, emphasises the specialist.

Nadezhda joined EkoNiva back in 2010. She has witnessed the company’s development in Kaluga oblast from the very beginning and continues to admire its growth. Together with EkoNiva, she has become an experienced professional, gaining new knowledge and skills. Nowadays, she shares her expertise with the younger generation.

‘Students often come back to us after their first internship’, says Nadezhda. ‘We keep in touch with many of them. They say such kind words about working with my colleagues and me. It’s gratifying to hear how much they enjoyed implementing their profession. It means we managed to inspire them and introduce them to the amazing world of agronomy.’

As a plant protection agronomist, Nadezhda has a great responsibility for a rich, high-quality harvest, which also includes study, prevention and control of the spread of weeds, pests and crop diseases. This specialist works on increasing yields and improving product quality using methods and practices that do not have a negative impact on the environment.

‘I come to work in a good mood every day. No matter what the weather is like, I always look forward to a new day. The field is like a second home to me, and I feel at ease here. This space, this beauty, this fresh air… how could I trade all this for anything else? I am where I was meant to be’, shares Nadezhda.

When asked if there is a crop she likes most to work with, she replied with surprise: ‘Is it really possible to pick a favourite among children? All plants are wonderful, and I do my best to ensure that every ear survives and bears fruit.’

This year, Nadezhda Krylova has joined a contest of agronomists held as part of the Field Day. The competition was fierce, but she was able to demonstrate her best qualities and professional skills at the highest level, earning second place. Next year, she plans to compete again. Another award came in the autumn. For many years of dedicated work, Nadezhda was conferred the Honoured Worker of Agriculture of Kaluga Oblast title.