A recent survey conducted by Поле.РФ and the “Тет-о-Твет” platform, involving 6,903 respondents from across Russia, provides intriguing insights into public expectations for the future of agriculture. While 41% believe farming will become more technology-driven by 2030, only 10% foresee a full-scale high-tech transformation involving widespread use of agrodrones, robotics, and digital platforms.
Current vs. Future Tech Adoption
Despite public skepticism, modern technologies are already making inroads into Russian agriculture:
- Agrodrones are being used for pest control and precision seeding (e.g., rice cultivation).
- Autopilot-equipped harvesters are improving efficiency in grain production.
- Digital farm management platforms are gaining traction among wheat, rye, and sunflower growers.
However, Timur Aimaletdinov, Deputy Director of the NAFI Analytical Center, notes that public awareness of these advancements remains low, even as interest in sustainable and “green” farming grows.
Challenges Ahead: Education and Workforce Readiness
For Russia to achieve a true agri-tech revolution, experts emphasize:
- Upskilling farmers and agronomists in digital agriculture.
- Investing in youth education to prepare the next generation of agri-tech specialists.
Aimaletdinov stresses: “The technological progress we see in 2030 will depend on today’s efforts in vocational training and digital literacy.”
While Russian agriculture is gradually embracing technology, a full-scale high-tech shift by 2030 seems unlikely without stronger investment in education and innovation. Farmers and agribusinesses should focus on step-by-step automation while policymakers prioritize training programs to bridge the tech gap.
