The Analysis of Factors and Motivative Aspects Promoting and Hindering the Implementation of Precision Farming Technologies

Abstract

In 2018, only 1% of industry organizations use digital technologies, which reduces the competitiveness of Russian agriculture significantly. The relevance of the research topic is due to the low rates of implementation of precision farming technologies in agricultural production. The study aims to assess the motivational aspects and analyze the factors that promote and hinder the implementation and use of precision farming technologies by farmers. To achieve the goal and objectives of the study, a survey of farmers in the Sverdlovsk and Kurgan regions, as well as of employees of agricultural organizations was carried out. According to the survey results, the most favorable factors contributing to the implementation and use of precision farming technologies are the level of efficiency of agricultural production and the need to improve it; state support for their implementation; the level of development of the precision farming technologies market. The limiting factors for the implementation and use of precision farming technologies are the unsatisfactory financial conditions of a significant part of farmers, a high level of prices for precision farming technologies in comparison with traditionally used equipment, and poor availability of the personnel capable of mastering precision farming technologies. It should be noted that farmers are highly motivated to implement and use precision farming technologies, which are treated as an objective necessity, causing significant positive changes in agriculture in the nearest future. This allows us to conclude that there is a low level of workers' resistance to the implementation of these technologies.