The State and Prospects of Digital Transformation in the Agricultural Sectors

Abstract The purpose of the study is to analyse trends and directions of digitalisation of agriculture, with a focus on technologies that contribute to improving the efficiency and sustainability of the industry. The methodology includes an analysis of the state of digitalisation of agriculture, key technologies, barriers to implementation, and development prospects based on statistical data and industry reports. The paper analyses the most developed crop and livestock industries in Kazakhstan, such as the production of cereals, oilseeds, dairy, and beef cattle, with a focus on the use of drones, the Internet of Things, artificial intelligence, and blockchain. The technical features of technologies, implementation costs, payback periods, and infrastructural requirements are considered. A comparative analysis of digitalisation in Kazakhstan and other countries is conducted, which identifies the main barriers, such as high costs, insufficient infrastructure, and a low level of digital literacy. It is determined that drones contribute to optimising field monitoring and accurate resource allocation, the Internet of Things provides data collection and analysis for real-time process management, artificial intelligence is used for forecasting and automation, and blockchain increases the transparency of supply chains. These technologies have improved resource management, increased yields, and minimised environmental impacts. The main barriers hindering the digitalisation of agriculture were high technology costs, insufficient infrastructure, low levels of digital literacy among industry workers, and resistance to change on the part of farmers.