Economic growth in agriculture in the last 20 years has been accompanied by a decrease in the share of households in the gross production of basic products. However, these farms are still important for the food self-sufficiency of Russian families and the preservation of rural areas in a habitable state. Based on the data of current statistics and agricultural censuses of 2016 and 2021, the article analyzes the role of households in the production of the main types of crop and livestock products both in the country as a whole and in the context of the subjects of the Russian Federation. It is concluded that despite the general decline in the potential of households of the population, in a number of regions it is these farms that determine the trend of agricultural development. Special attention is paid to the assessment of state support for personal subsidiary farms and non-profit (horticultural, horticultural) associations of citizens, the main directions of its improvement are proposed. In particular, it is pointed out the need to stimulate the transition of high-commodity households to farms.