The Higher Engineering School of Agrobiotechnology (HES Agrobiotechnology) of Tomsk State University launched the first master degree program in digital agronomy in Russia. Within two years, students will learn how to combine classical knowledge of agronomy and new digital technologies – collect information about the state of a field using a drone, adjust the temperature in a vegetable greenhouse without approaching it, and “program the yield”. The first 10 students will be able to join the program this year.
Digitalization is one of the main trends in the agro-industrial market, which allows optimizing production and reducing costs. In 2024 alone, the state allocated 3 billion rubles for the digital transformation of the agro-industrial complex. Experts also record a shortage of digital technology experts at industrial companies.
Digital technologies that are already used by agricultural producers include artificial intelligence, geographic information and analytical systems, drones, robots, mobile applications, smart sensors and even supercomputers.
Within two years, students of the Digital Agronomy program will learn how to build digital infrastructure in the agro-industrial complex. There will be a separate block of disciplines in crop production where students will learn about modern agrobiotechnology, organic farming, physiology and biochemistry of crops, as well as the features of the agro-industrial complex in Russia.
All master programs of HES Agrobiotechnology are based on solving applied problems of industrial partners using modern laboratory equipment through augmented and virtual realities.
— The development of precision farming opens up new opportunities for the agro-industrial complex. It increases production efficiency, improves product quality and agricultural profitability. Currently, it is critical to train personnel who know how to work with modern information systems. We see how artificial intelligence, big data analysis, digitalization in general “burst” into our daily life. Therefore, it is necessary to train the personnel of the future now, – said Ekaterina Boyko, director of the Study Center of HES Agrobiotechnology.
The Siberian Federal Scientific Centre of Agro-BioTechnologies of the Russian Academy of Sciences is the partner of the program. After graduation, master students will be able to work in agricultural holdings and specialized departments.
For reference. The Higher Engineering School of Agrobiotechnology was transformed from the Advanced Engineering School “Agrobiotech” and was opened at Tomsk State University in 2025. The school trains engineers in the field of agrobiotechnology and focuses on the solution of applied problems to improve breeds and varieties, digitalize agriculture, process production waste and develop the nutrition of the future. Now the school has launched 4 master degree programs – in addition to digital agronomy, they are devoted to bioinformatics and management in the field of agro-industrial complex.
