This Russian Region Is Reinventing Agriculture With AI, Drones, and Homegrown Genetics

Chelyabinsk is leading Russia’s digital farming revolution, using AI, drones, and local biotech to boost yields and reduce dependence on imports.

Chelyabinsk region is emerging as one of Russia’s top innovation hubs in agriculture. At the recent Field Day expo in the Chebarkul district, more than 150 pieces of equipment were on display, including agrodrones for meal delivery and heavy-duty UAVs equipped for crop spraying, according to Gubernia.

Experts say automation, robotics, and artificial intelligence are helping cut costs, raise yields, and reduce climate-related risks. According to deputy regional agriculture minister Inna Podshivalova, Chelyabinsk ranks first in Russia for pasta and durum wheat production, and is among the top three for flour, cereals, and egg output. Over the past five years, the region’s agricultural exports have grown 2.5 times, reaching $274 million.

Researchers at South Ural Agrarian University are advancing domestic poultry genetics with a chicken cross called Smena-9, which is cheaper and more productive than foreign breeds. This reduces reliance on imported genetics and strengthens food security. Chelyabinsk was the first region in the country to launch drone operator training programs for agriculture. Local universities are also preparing experts in agrogenetics, biotechnology, and digital field monitoring.