Innovative technologies for food security in the arid territories of southern Russia

The aim of the research was to assess the specifics of agricultural production in the south of Russia in the context of deteriorating agroclimatic conditions, increasing anthropogenic risk factors, a reduction in land suitable for agricultural use and the search for new technological solutions to maintain food productivity in these areas.  The study used methods of analogy, classification, data systematisation, computational and analytical tools for processing digital material, methods of comparison and the generation of new knowledge.  An analysis of the agro‐climatic environment of the arid regions of southern Russia was conducted. The authors examined the specifics of agricultural production in those regions, assessed the contribution of the southern agro‐industrial complex to the overall agricultural production of Russia as a whole and drew conclusions about the importance of this sector in the socioeconomic life of the regional populations. Degradation and desertification of steppes and pastures were demonstrated, requiring the use of sustainable and rational nature management. The practical application of innovative technological solutions in the production process at agricultural enterprises has demonstrated the effectiveness of such tools.  The need to implement innovative approaches in the southern Russian macroregion to prevent the decline in the socioeconomic climate of the territories has been proven.