Assessment and prospects for the digitalization of the agricultural sector of the Russian Economy

Abstract

Digital technologies in agriculture are relevant for managing production processes, data processing, monitoring and analyzing soil and plant conditions, and ensuring the quality and safety of products. To assess the level of digitalization and readiness for implementing digital technologies in agriculture, the authors conducted an analysis of agricultural producers in 24 regions from 8 Federal Districts. Primary data for assessing the level of digitalization were obtained from federal and regional agencies. Six indicators were considered: compatibility of machinery, equipment, and devices with digital infrastructure; number of digitized agricultural lands; number of employees who have undergone digital profile training; number of integration points with IoT devices, equipment, and cloud services; coverage area of agricultural enterprise areas by high-speed networks; number of agricultural machinery with IT equipment. As a result of the research, recommendations were given for the regions of the Russian Federation with different levels of digitalization. For effective implementation of digital technologies, regions with low levels of digitalization should actively attract and effectively implement state support to acquire modern equipment and improve digital competences. Regions with high levels of digitalization should focus on workforce training and stimulate investment provision. Regions with average levels of digitalization should concentrate on improving technical infrastructure and staff training. Further development of digitalization in agriculture requires proper financing, qualified personnel competent in IT technologies, domestic solutions for digital services and platforms, and the elimination of uneven distribution of IT resources among the regions of the Russian Federation.