MANAGING THE REPRODUCTION OF AGRICULTURAL MACHINERY IN THE RUSSIAN AGRO-INDUSTRIAL COMPLEX: ANALYSIS OF STRUCTURAL IMBALANCES AND TECHNOLOGICAL TRANSFORMATION

Agricultural machinery is a fundamental element of the technological sovereignty and competitiveness of Russia’s agro-industrial complex. Historical experience, including mechanization through machine and tractor station system in the USSR, clearly confirms that the level of technical equipment directly determines labor productivity in the agricultural sector. Statistical data for the period 1990-2023 objectively demonstrate a profound structural transformation of the machinery and tractor fleet. An absolute reduction in the number of key units is observed: the tractor fleet has decreased by 85.5%, and the combine fleet by 88.4%. However, the current dynamics are mixed. The key trend of the last decade has been a qualitative restructuring of the fleet. The stabilization of power supply indicator at 197-203 hp per 100 hectares of arable land indicates an active process of technological optimization, in which low-performance equipment is being replaced by more powerful and efficient models. This is an objective adaptation to modern agricultural technologies and labor shortages. Critical systemic challenges remain in the domestic production of agricultural equipment. Firstly, domestic production volumes remain extremely low, amounting to only 3-5% of 1990 levels. The sharp decline in shipments in 2023 (by 31.5%), especially in key segments, confirms the industry’s high dependence on market factors. Secondly, structural imbalances in product range persist, with a significant shortage of equipment for livestock farming, processing, and indoor crop production. Sanctions pressure has exacerbated systemic risks associated with dependence on imported critical components and high technologies. In this paradigm, the key task at the state level is to transition from targeted support to strategic management of the entire production cycle. This requires the development of comprehensive solutions that go beyond simply increasing funding. The following areas have been proposed for enhancing agricultural machinery production management for the Russian agro-industrial complex: creating incentives for deep localization of production and import substitution of components, reducing the credit burden on agricultural producers to stimulate demand and creating balanced competitive conditions, including in cooperation with partners in the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). Without implementation of such coordinated measures, the sustainable development of both domestic agricultural machinery manufacturing and the entire Russian agro-industrial complex is seriously jeopardized.