Russia Rolls Out Mobile Labs to Train Drone Operators for Smart Agriculture

Starting in August, mobile education centers in rural Dagestan will teach farmers how to use drones for crop monitoring and livestock tracking.

A new nationwide initiative is launching in Russia to train agricultural drone operators. Spearheaded by Dagestan State University, the program—titled 'With Science to the Villages!'—focuses on advancing smart farming technologies.

Beginning in August 2025, 15 mobile laboratories will begin operating in several rural districts of Dagestan. These high-tech classrooms on wheels will provide hands-on instruction for local farmers.

The curriculum includes 3D modeling and biotechnology, but its core focus is drone usage for field monitoring and locating missing livestock.

Advanced agricultural tech is rapidly gaining ground across Russia. According to the federal government, 40% of the country’s agri-businesses already employ digital and AI-powered solutions.

Drones now fly above fields of wheat and other crops, scanning for pests, disease, and yield irregularities. Development of autonomous tractors is also underway.

In animal husbandry, AI-driven systems use cameras to monitor the health and weight of pigs and cattle. These tools can even suggest dietary improvements. In some cases, robots have been trained to milk cows.

The program underscores Russia’s strategic investment in agricultural innovation, with mobile education labs serving as a bridge between cutting-edge tech and everyday farm operations.