STATUS AND DIRECTIONS OF INNOVATIVE DEVELOPMENT OF CROP PRODUCTION IN KRASNODAR REGION

This article analyzes the current state and innovative development of crop production in the Krasnodar Territory. It examines the current structure of cultivated areas, the dynamics of gross harvest, and the yield of major agricultural crops. It is noted that the crop production sector in the Krasnodar Territory maintains positive development trends, particularly in the production of grain and industrial crops. However, further improvement in crop production efficiency requires deepening innovation processes, modernizing equipment, and expanding the use of digital technologies in production management. Technological, investment, digital, personnel, organizational, and infrastructural barriers hindering the industry's transition to an innovative model are identified. Key barriers include high equipment depreciation, insufficient funding for innovation, low levels of digitalization, a shortage of qualified specialists capable of working with modern technologies, and the weak integration of scientific research into production practices. The region is noted to have high agricultural potential. The costs of innovation and the state of the technical base (machine and tractor fleet and energy capacity) are examined. Particular attention is paid to the application of information and communication technologies (geographical information systems, digital platforms, big data collection and analysis technologies, cloud services, data centers, and radio frequency identification technologies) by agricultural organizations. The authors substantiate the areas of innovative development for the crop production sector in the region: modernization of the technical and technological base, development of a system of state support, increasing the digital literacy of farmers, and strengthening the interaction between science, business, and government. The article's conclusions emphasize that only the systematic application of innovations and active state support can ensure the sustainable and competitive development of crop production in the region and increase its contribution to food security for the region and the country.