Mechanisms of adaptation of crop production in the regions of the Volga Federal District to the consequences of global climate change

Abstract

The purpose of the study is to substantiate promising directions for adapting the crop sub-sector of the regions of the Volga Federal District (VFD) to the consequences of global climate change and mechanisms for its provision. The authors considered the natural and climatic features of the territory of the Volga Federal District of the Russian Federation, studied the structure of crop producers. The indicators of crop yields are analyzed. A list of weather risks that are most often manifested in the regions of the Volga Federal District has been determined. Data are presented on the yield losses of spring wheat in dry years in the context of the federal districts of the Russian Federation from 1950 to 2020. An idea is obtained about the change in land use parameters in the medium and long term. The results obtained served as a rationale for such adaptive mechanisms of state support for the agro-industrial complex, such as insurance of agricultural risks, subsidizing reclamation work for all categories of small businesses, and allocating additional budgetary funds for the purchase of mineral (nitrogen and phosphorus) fertilizers. It is proposed to correct the list of subjects of the Russian Federation, the territories of which are classified as unfavorable for agricultural production, and include the Saratov and Orenburg regions in it. In these regions, a significant part of the territory is occupied by a semi-desert zone, and the sharp continental climate has become more pronounced. It is substantiated that the totality of the proposed measures will contribute to the accelerated adaptation of regional agrosystems to the consequences of global climate change.