This year, the Smolensk State Agricultural Academy also enrolled students in secondary professional education programs for the first time.

It is you, dear first-year students, who will make significant discoveries, set new records, and inspire us with your achievements. You represent the primary source of skilled personnel for the region's agro-industrial complex, and the future of the sector lies in your hands.

Distinguished guests addressed the new generation of students with words of encouragement:

• Ekaterina Efremova – Minister of Agriculture and Food of the Smolensk Region;

• Sergey Kharitonov – Acting Rector of the Smolensk State Agricultural Academy;

• Evgeny Lasy – Head of the Smolensk Branch of Russian Agricultural Bank (Rosselkhozbank).

Acting Rector Sergey Kharitonov addressed the first-year students: "I am sincerely delighted to see each of you here at our Academy. Believe me, what awaits you is not merely a course of study, but a truly fascinating journey into the world of agricultural science — a journey that is rich in new knowledge, exciting discoveries, and significant encounters. There are so many of you this year, and we are overjoyed by this; the stronger our team, the greater our shared victories will be."

Let this academic year mark the beginning of a great journey for each of you which is filled with discoveries and achievements. Welcome to the agricultural family!