Russia's agricultural sector has workforce shortage of 143,000-200,000 - Economic Development Ministry

ST. PETERSBURG. June 19 (Interfax) - Russia's agricultural sector is experiencing a workforce shortage estimated at 143,000 to 200,000 people, First Deputy Economic Development Minister Maxim Kolesnikov said during a session at the 2025 St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF 2025).

"One of the challenges [for agriculture] is that estimates show the industry's labor deficit ranges between 143,000 and 200,000 workers. That is a large figure," Kolesnikov said. "The lack of qualified labor is contributing to price growth as seasonal operations get disrupted and productivity declines," he said.

Joint programs with the Agriculture Ministry are being developed to enhance labor productivity, including through technological implementation, he said.

"This involves actively incorporating artificial intelligence in all forms - both aerial and ground applications. This means autonomous combines, smart drones for soil analysis, and similar technologies," he said.

"I believe these programs will be finalized by the end of the year. Therefore, we are confident of achieving the required results by 2030," Kolesnikov said.