Evgeny Lyulin: "We need to unite efforts at all levels to eradicate giant hogweed in the region."

      Deputies proposed several solutions at the off-site meeting of the agro-industrial complex and rural development committee to combat Sosnowski's hogweed.

      Photo: Press Service of the Northwest Federal District.

      On July 24, an off-site meeting of the Legislative Assembly committee on the agro-industrial complex and rural development took place in the Krasnobakovsky municipal district. The parliamentarians discussed measures to fight Sosnowski's hogweed, studied the successful experience of the district, and mechanisms for implementing decisions made by the committee in March 2025. Attending the meeting were Deputy Chairman of the Legislative Assembly Denis Bakiev, Chairman of the committee on the agro-industrial complex and rural development Igor Tyurin, government representatives, municipal officials, and experts in the field.

      A key topic was the proposal to create a regional headquarters to fight hogweed. It could include representatives from all entities responsible for land plots: energy companies, road services, railway workers, and utilities.

      "Sosnowski's hogweed poses a severe threat to our region. Its rapid spread and ability to actively colonize new territories demand immediate action. We can no longer rely solely on traditional control measures— a fundamental change in approach and the adoption of innovative methods are necessary, aimed at preventing further spread of this dangerous plant and minimizing environmental damage," noted Denis Bakiev.

      Moreover, deputies proposed several specific measures, one of which is the restoration of administrative-technical inspections and targeted funding under strict control.

      Chairman of the agro-industrial complex committee Igor Tyurin mentioned that one possible solution is changing municipal contracts for hogweed treatment.

      "It is necessary to establish clear responsibility zones for organizations and individuals handling the land from this dangerous weed. They should not just treat and forget but take on certain guarantees that the hogweed will not grow back in the areas entrusted to them," emphasized Tyurin.

      Regional parliament chairman Yevgeny Lyulin commented: "Eradicating hogweed requires serious coordinated effort among various departments and municipalities. A unified monitoring system is needed to record all outbreak sites. But most importantly, landowners must bear responsibility."