REGIONAL FEATURES AND PROSPECTS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES IN THE AGRO-INDUSTRIAL COMPLEX OF THE SOUTHERN FEDERAL DISTRICT

Abstract

The article is devoted to the study of regional features and prospects of digitalization of the agro-industrial complex of the Southern Federal District (SFD) in the context of modern economic and technological challenges. Based on the analysis of data from the Ministry of Agriculture of the Russian Federation, expert surveys and statistics from regional institutions, the authors identify key trends, barriers and opportunities for digital transformation of the agricultural sector. Special attention is paid to the role of the Krasnodar Territory and the Rostov region, the leading agricultural production regions, where the introduction of digital solutions (GLONASS systems, precision farming, ERP platforms) has already provided processing of 1 million hectares of land and equipping 17% of the equipment with navigation systems. The research methodology combined qualitative and quantitative approaches: surveys of 120 experts from agronomy, IT and management, analysis of data from Rosstat and the Ministry of Agriculture, as well as reports from the Polye.rf platform. The results demonstrate that the success of digitalization depends on the coordination of efforts by the government, business and science. Among the recommendations are the introduction of tax incentives for enterprises using domestic solutions, the modernization of power grids and Internet infrastructure in rural areas, as well as the reform of educational programs for training IT specialists and agronomists.

Special emphasis is placed on the need to adapt international experience (precision farming, IoT, artificial intelligence) to Russian conditions. It is emphasized that without overcoming the personnel shortage and strengthening state support, achieving strategic goals for digitalization of the agro-industrial complex of the Southern Federal District will remain impossible. The conclusion is made about the significant potential of the region, which can become a driver of technological transformation of the entire Russian agricultural sector, provided an integrated approach and active interagency cooperation.