Creating High-Performance Sectors in the Agro-Industrial Complex Under Digital Economy as a National Development Goal of the Russian Federation

The paper focuses on the interrelation of such Russian national goals as the creation of a high-performance sector in the agro-industrial complex [AIC] and the development of the digital economy. The study indicated the main directions for the use of modern digital technologies in the AIC. The authors emphasize that creating a high-tech AIC is impossible without the active use of digital technologies in forecasting, production, storage, and marketing of agricultural products. Currently, agricultural production does not always show a profit. Hence, its development requires state support not only in the form of economic backing (benefits and grants) but with organizational involvement. According to the authors, the conservative nature of agricultural production requires targeted efforts on the state’s part to “digitalize” it. The introduction of digital technologies in the production cycle involves the robotization of this cycle, including the creation of automated processing lines controlled by artificial intelligence. Additionally, it involves the development and implementation of “unmanned” ground equipment (tractors, combine harvesters), the use of drones for irrigation and pest control, the introduction of artificial intelligence in the greenhouse irrigation system, etc. Successful development in this direction will help to increase agricultural workforce productivity and agricultural production. The implementation of digital technologies will allow for the prediction of climate risks and yields while helping to determine the number of necessary products of various types. The digitalization of the AIC can be carried out in several stages. These stages are as follows: the development of the required digital technologies for the AIC and tools for their effective use; the introduction of digital technologies in agriculture, robotization, and automation of production based on artificial intelligence [AI]; training of operating personnel for new digital technologies in agriculture. The paper underlines the priority of rural education development since professionals within modern high-performance AIC must have the knowledge and expertise required to use modern digital technologies.