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The article carried out a multidimensional grouping of the regions of the Central and Volga Federal Districts of the Russian Federation according to indicators characterizing the state and development of agricultural production. The cluster analysis method was applied twice: when constructing a system of indicators for grouping regions and when combining regions into clusters. This approach made it possible to enhance the practical significance of the study, made it possible to objectively analyze and formulate reasonable specific conclusions and recommendations for the regions of each cluster. As a result, four groups (clusters) of indicators and three clusters of regions were identified according to the level of development of agricultural production.

The article outlines the need to apply a systematic approach to the analysis and solution of agricultural production development problems. The system approach implementation is carried out using a multidimensional data analysis method – the cluster analysis method. A system of indicators characterizing the conditions and results of agricultural enterprises in the regions of the Central and Volga Federal Districts of the Russian Federation has been built, a multidimensional grouping of regions has been carried out to identify problems and directions for their solution. The multidimensional approach to the study allowed an objective analysis and formulation of well-founded specific conclusions and recommendations for the regions of each cluster. As a result, two clusters of regions were identified according to the level of agricultural production development. Subclusters are also allocated within clusters to detail and concretize proposals. Recommendations on agricultural production development are made to the regions of each cluster. The directions for the formation of the strategy for the development of agriculture of the corresponding groups of regions and territories are outlined.

The development of agro-industrial complex is important for ensuring national food security and national health. The development of rural areas is subject to the development of agriculture and local infrastructure, as well as the availability of various services. This study selected 15 indicators in 2021 to analyze the employment and development levels in rural areas of 71 regions of the Russian Federation using the analytical grouping method. The results indicated that 20 regions (Group 1) had the highest percentage of rural population (33.10%). The percentage of population engaged in agriculture had the highest value (12.40%) in 31 regions (Group 2). Moreover, 20 regions (Group 3) had the highest investments in fixed assets at the expense of municipal budget (11.80 USD/person). Increasing the investments in fixed assets carried out from the budget of the municipality can improve the employment level in rural areas. Then, we used cluster analysis to divide 14 regions of the Volga Federal District in the Russian Federation into 3 clusters. Cluster 1 covered Kirov Region and Republic of Mari El; Cluster 2 included Ulyanovsk Region, Saratov Region, Nizhny Novgorod Region, Perm Territory, Orenburg Region, Chuvash Region, and Republic of Mordovia; and Cluster 3 contained Republic of Tatarstan, Samara Region, Udmurtian Republic, Penza Region, and Republic of Bashkortostan. Results indicated that the 2 regions of Cluster 1 need to increase the availability of resources and natural gas and improve the investment attractiveness of rural areas. The 7 regions of Cluster 2 needed to develop infrastructure, public services, and agricultural production. We found the highest employment level in rural areas, the largest investments in fixed assets at the expense of municipal budget, the largest residential building area per 10,000 persons, and the largest individual residential building area in the 5 regions of Cluster 3. This study makes it possible to draw up a comprehensive regional development program and proves the need for the development of rural areas, which is especially important for the sustainable development of the Russian Federation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]