The dissertation research is devoted to the analysis and substantiation of directions for increasing the economic efficiency of the production of niche agricultural crops in Ukraine based on the principles of sustainable development. In the conditions of modern challenges related to climate changes, economic instability and geopolitical threats, the production of niche crops is becoming one of the effective strategies for the Ukrainian agricultural sector. Cultivation of such crops can serve as a means of diversification of agricultural activities, as well as a tool for increasing the profitability of small and medium-sized farms. Niche crops, in particular such as buckwheat, hemp, chickpeas and other less common crops, are marked by increased interest of consumers in the domestic and foreign markets, which determines the urgency of developing methods to increase their efficiency.
The research highlights the current state of cultivation of niche crops in Ukraine, analyzes their structure, cultivated areas and the main trends characterizing this direction. It was found that the development of niche production is restrained by several factors, including insufficient support for small farms, limited access to investments and modern technologies, as well as a low level of information provision to farmers about the advantages and prospects of growing such crops. In addition, the economic condition of Ukraine, worsened by the military actions, poses additional challenges to the agricultural sector, such as problems with access to markets, logistics and the lack of stable government funding.
In the framework of the research, innovative approaches are proposed to increase the efficiency of growing niche crops. In particular, the author focuses on the importance of implementing modern technologies, including digital agriculture, monitoring systems using drones, automated irrigation systems and the use of mobile applications for production management. This allows you to optimize the use of resources, increase productivity and reduce production costs. The introduction of precision farming technologies provides not only economic benefits, but also a positive environmental effect due to more rational use of water, fertilizers and plant protection products.
A special place in the research is devoted to the prospects of organic production of niche crops, which meets the growing demand for ecologically clean products on the domestic and international markets. It has been shown that organic niche crops such as amaranth, flax, hemp can have significant export potential, as they meet European standards of sustainable development and provide high added value for producers. The recommendations proposed by the author provide for the development of an ecological certification system for organic producers, the reduction of the use of chemical fertilizers and the support of biodiversity practices, which will create additional competitive advantages for Ukrainian producers on the international market.
The dissertation presents the modeling of the niche index for assessing the development potential of specific niche cultures in the state or in its individual regions. This index makes it possible to quantitatively assess the prospects of growing certain crops depending on their current sown area. The use of the niche index can become a tool for state authorities when developing programs to support and promote the development of agriculture. The proposed algorithm allows you to identify crops that have a high potential for growth, which can contribute to increasing the efficiency of agricultural production in Ukraine in general.
One of the key aspects of the research is proposals for attracting investments for the development of production of niche crops and the implementation of long-term investment projects. In connection with this, the author substantiates the importance of the involvement of various types of grants by agricultural producers in the conditions of martial law and post-war recovery for the development of the production of niche crops.
