Prospective directions for the development of grain farming in the region, taking into account zonal features (on the example of Penza region)

Abstract

The most important task in the sphere of agro-industrial complex management in the region is to identify new points of growth and competitive advantages of agricultural sectors, based on the rational use of available resources and minimization of the negative impact of factors constraining the development of production. An analysis of dynamics and distribution of grain crops production has shown that in view of development of industrial crops, the maintenance of stable grain production at the level of 2.7-3.0 million tons is possible due to intensification of grain and leguminous crops production and introduction of new high-yielding and demanded in the market agricultural crops into crop rotations. Intensification of grains and legumes production in Penza region must be based firstly on raising the sown areas sown with seeds of higher reproductions for providing of scientifically grounded varietal changes and variety renovation. The implementation of this task will be possible if a modern system of breeding and seed production of grain crops is established in the region. Preservation of soil fertility and reduction of the grain crop production cost can be achieved by reducing the application of nitrogen fertilizers and increasing the share of profitable leguminous crops, such as peas, lentils, and lupine, in the structure of crop rotations. Grain maize has a significant potential for diversification and increase in grain production, if agrotechnics, zoned and promising varieties and hybrids adapted to soil and climatic conditions of the region are introduced. Sustainable production of grain and leguminous crops in the region is impossible without modernization of existing and creation of new capacities on storage and processing of grain crops. Realization of complex of scientific-production and organizational-economic and program-targeted measures is of great importance.