The agricultural sector of the Central Federal District economy: dynamics and shifts in regional development levels

This chapter presents the results of a study on the dynamics of agricultural development in the regions of the Central Federal District (CFD) over the period 2010–2024. It was found that the observed growth in gross agricultural output and the increase in production volumes of certain types of agricultural products were shaped by multidirectional structural shifts. Against the backdrop of minor negative changes in the structure of sown areas and livestock populations, a sustained positive trend in increasing the productivity of crops and animals was identified as a compensatory factor. The value of gross output per hectare of agricultural land was selected as an integral indicator of the level of agricultural development in the regions. A ranking of the CFD subjects based on this indicator recorded positive dynamics, expressed in the transition of several regions from the category of low development level to groups with medium and high development levels. As of the end of 2024, 8 regions were classified in the high development level group, and another 8 regions in the medium level group. Only one region remained in the low development level group; however, it possesses potential for further growth provided that the authorities implement an effective structural policy aimed at strengthening food security through state support mechanisms.