Russia’s Unified Agri-Food Platform to Integrate AI
Russia’s unified digital platform for the agri-industrial and fisheries sectors is set to incorporate artificial intelligence. The system is scheduled to be developed by the end of 2026.
AI to Drive Agricultural and Fisheries Development
The operation of the Unified Digital Platform for Russia’s agri-industrial and fisheries sectors (UCP) will be built around artificial intelligence technologies. The directive was issued following an industry-level strategic session by Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin.
The new platform is intended to integrate federal government information systems. Today, agricultural producers may have to work with up to 30 different digital systems, many of them outside the agricultural domain. These include the Electronic Budget system operated by the Finance Ministry, Federal Treasury information systems, AIS Cerberus, the Grain traceability system, Mercury, and others. The UCP is designed to make interaction with this fragmented digital landscape simpler and more accessible by introducing a “single-window” model for all federal systems.
Faster, Simpler, More Reliable
Industry experts outlined the core changes and expected benefits of the platform.
“There are three key elements,” said Olga Chebunina, CEO of Agropromtsifra, the company designated as the sole provider of digital solutions for Russia’s Ministry of Agriculture in 2026.
“First, in 2026 we will launch the unified digital platform with a single access point and a single interface for all information systems operated by the Ministry of Agriculture. Today these systems are built on different architectural approaches, and our task is to bring them to a common standard.
“Second, we will develop a mobile application to ensure convenient and rapid access to UCP services from anywhere. This will enable offline data storage. Information entered in areas without mobile coverage will be automatically synchronized with the platform once an internet connection becomes available. As a result, pre-filled data will be accessible across all devices, creating a seamless cross-device workflow.
“Third, we are developing a unified indicator sheet that will allow agricultural producers to enter data into the UCP once, even when that data is required by multiple government systems. This will make data entry smoother, reduce errors, and save time.”
Building a Service-Based Model for Agri-Food
The unified digital platform is expected to rely on a full range of advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence – such as machine learning and computer vision – cloud computing, distributed ledger technologies, the Internet of Things, remote Earth observation, big data analytics, and digital accounting tools for fishing activity, including systems used to equip fishing vessels.
According to the Russian government’s press service, the UCP will also support a service-based management model for the agri-industrial and fisheries sectors. It is expected to contribute to knowledge development across the industry by integrating educational programs, scientific research outcomes, and innovation deployment.
An educational platform will be embedded within the UCP. In addition to courses on digital literacy and working with government information systems, it will include simulators for those systems. Initially, four systems – Saturn, Zemlya (Land), Zerno (Grain), and Seed Production – will be launched and made available to students at agricultural universities. The same tools will also appear in producers’ personal accounts. Over time, the simulators will be expanded with additional federal systems and industry-specific solutions to raise digital competence among both students and agricultural enterprise employees. The platform will also include an intelligent assistant to answer questions and help users navigate their personal dashboards.
Development of the UCP involves multiple government bodies, including the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Digital Development, the Ministry of Science and Higher Education, the Ministry of Finance, Rosselkhoznadzor, and Rosrybolovstvo. An interim report is expected by July 1, 2026, with the final deadline set for December 30, 2026.
Sector Development and IT Integration
The unified digital platform is expected to increase the efficiency of managing Russia’s agriculture and fisheries sectors. By analyzing large volumes of data on agricultural markets, prices, supply, and demand, producers will be able to respond more quickly to market changes and plan production and resource procurement more effectively. The platform will also provide a transparent channel for interaction with government authorities.
Electronic services will allow producers to submit subsidy applications, obtain permits, and file reports more quickly, accelerating support mechanisms for farms and fisheries. This, in turn, is expected to help enterprises increase output and profitability while strengthening the competitiveness of Russian producers in external markets.
For the state, the platform will serve as a tool for more effective sector planning and regulatory compliance monitoring. Once its effectiveness is confirmed and the model is adapted for external markets, the UCP could be used as a blueprint for similar platforms in partner countries.
