The contribution of the rural economy to Russia’s GDP and the implementation of national development goals

The rural economy, which is a collection of production units and households in rural areas, is an essential element of Russia’s socio-economic system. In the study, based on the original methodology of the A.A. Nikonov VIAPI, an interval assessment of its contribution to GDP was carried out, which amounted to 14.8–18.3% (2023). However, official statistics do not take into account a significant part of the public goods produced by the rural economy, including support for demography, preservation of traditional values, environmental stability and recreational potential. Special attention is paid to the role of the rural economy in achieving national development goals: population preservation — higher birth rate in rural areas (1.59 versus 1.36 in cities), strengthening family values; environmental well-being — lower pollution (14.1% versus 40.6% in cities), the potential of organic farming; technological development — the need to reduce import dependence in Agro-industrial complex and acceleration of digital transformation. It is emphasized that a comprehensive assessment of the contribution of the rural economy requires the development of new methods for accounting for non-financial effects. Its sustainable development is critically important for food security, spatial balance, and the preservation of the country’s socio-cultural identity.