AGRO-INDUSTRIAL COMPLEX OF THE SOUTH OF RUSSIA: THE STATE, PROBLEMS AND PROSPECTS OF DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

The Southern Federal District (SFD) of the Russian Federation demonstrates a strong integration into the country's economic system; however, observed socio-economic trends are worsening, slowing down the region's development dynamics; a study of the agricultural sector in this district, which is responsible for producing over 15% of Russia's agricultural products, reveals the uniqueness of its agro-climatic conditions; crops cultivated here are either absent or rare in other regions due to specific climatic characteristics; the SFD is notable for its dominant viticulture, accounting for more than half of the national vineyard areas. Subtropical crops such as tea and figs are also grown here, particularly in the southernmost areas; the conducted analytical review identified several issues and challenges significantly impacting the progress and efficiency of the region's agro-industrial complex.