Limitations to the formation and development of human capital in the agricultural sector in modern conditions

A. T. Stadnik¹ , S. A. Shelkovnikov¹ , A. E. Shilova²

¹ Novosibirsk State Agrarian University, Novosibirsk, Russia

² Kuzbass State Agrarian University named after V. N. Poletskov, Kemerovo, Russia

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Volume 26 No. 5

Date of paper submission: 22.10.2025, date of review: 29.12.2025, date of acceptance: 21.01.2026.

Published: 05/31/2026

Abstract. The purpose of this study is to examine the limitations of human capital formation in the agricultural sector at the current stage of economic development. Methodology and approaches. The authors examined existing approaches to identifying the factors and characteristics of human capital development in the agricultural sector. The following research methods were used: abstract-logical method, secondary analysis, comparative analysis, and synthesis. Results and practical relevance. The study proposes identifying demographic, social, economic, institutional, and digital limitations of human capital formation and development in the agricultural sector. Natural population decline, particularly in rural areas, rural aging, and rural outmigration are the main demographic limitations of human capital development. The current demographic situation poses a serious threat to the formation and development of human capital in agribusiness. Key constraints on human capital formation in the agricultural sector have been identified. The scientific novelty of the study lies in the grouping of key barriers to the formation and development of human capital by target subjects, which include preschoolers, schoolchildren and students, workers and specialists of agricultural enterprises, managers of agricultural enterprises and entrepreneurs. It has been established that existing institutional and economic constraints cannot be eliminated at the agribusiness level, as they reflect accumulated long-term problems in rural development and disparities in their development. To improve the efficiency of agricultural production, comprehensive efforts are needed to attract and retain talent, as well as develop mechanisms for the transfer of experience, mentoring, and entrepreneurial skills. Keywords: human capital; human capital in the agricultural sector; barriers to human capital formation For citation: Stadnik A. T., Shelkovnikov S. A., Shilova A. E. Limitations to the formation and development of human capital in the agricultural sector in modern conditions. Agrarian Bulletin of the Urals. 2026; 26 (05): 972‒982. https://doi.org/10.32417/1997-4868-2026-26-05-972-982 (In Russ.)  

 

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