Russia’s Farms Embrace Smart Tech to Boost Yields and Cut Costs

From greenhouse automation to AI-powered crop models, Russian agriculture is undergoing a digital transformation aimed at global competitiveness.

Russian agriculture is rapidly evolving, driven by the widespread adoption of advanced automation technologies. Large agroholdings and small farms alike are integrating programmable logic controllers (PLCs), precision farming systems, and robotics to streamline operations and increase productivity.

Modern PLC-based systems are optimizing everything from irrigation and fertilization to climate control in greenhouses and automated livestock management. One standout solution is the Avangard-10 controller, developed by Russian firm NTK Priborenergo. It manages greenhouse conditions, irrigation schedules, and even milking equipment—making it a versatile tool for agribusinesses.

Experts say agricultural automation reduces labor intensity, conserves resources, and boosts yields. Over the next few years, Russia’s agritech sector is expected to expand its use of AI platforms for yield forecasting and soil analytics, autonomous tractors and drones for field monitoring, and digital twins to simulate optimal crop-growing scenarios.

Analysts believe automation is key to making Russian agribusiness globally competitive. By 2030, smart farms may become the norm—helping ensure reliable harvests even as climate conditions shift.