The role of the dairy sector in the sustainable development of Central Black Earth region

Abstract

The aim of the work is to identify the problems and peculiarities of the development of the dairy complex of the Central Black Earth Region (CDR). The specifics of the natural environment of the territory, the dynamics and heterogeneity of dairy farming development, threats to the sustainable development of municipalities and regions of the Black Earth Region require a serious study of the impact of this complex, as one of many, on the stable development of the entire region. Materials and methods. To achieve the set goal, historical, systematic, cartographic, statistical, and competitive methods of research were applied, using data from the statistical collections "Regions of Russia", "Agriculture in Russia", "Russian Statistical Yearbook", and "Agriculture, Hunting and Hunting, Forestry in Russia". The analysis of these data shows that the number of cattle and cows in the CDR, except for the Voronezh region, has been decreasing in the post-Soviet period. However, there is some growth in milk yields due to the use of the latest technologies and high-performance breeds of cattle. Results. The dairy complex of the CDR, designed to meet the needs of the population in dairy products, in modern conditions is still characterized by a variety of forms of production organization, with a predominance of medium-sized farms. In addition, the development of livestock breeding allows to a large extent to ensure the preservation of soil fertility by increasing the use of organic fertilizers and expanding the area of cultivation of fodder crops, as well as to increase employment and economic efficiency of agriculture. Based on the trends and features of improvement, it can be concluded that the dairy complex of the CDR, among others, can contribute to achieving a balanced state between the natural environment, social and economic spheres. Further growth of large-scale production in holdings and stand-alone enterprises should be combined with the development of the small-scale sector, taking into account cooperation and integration with leading milk-producing companies.