Branch initiative of Poltava Agricultural Society (1865–1920) in the agricultural sector of the country
The aim of the article is to analyze the practical implementation of a number of innovations in the agricultural sector by Poltava Agricultural Society and to determine the historical role of the center for the development of sectoral research. Research methods: analysis, synthesis and critique of documentary sources; historical-typological, historical-systemic. Main results. It is proved that functioning of Poltava Agricultural Society during 1865–1920 became a real phenomenon of sectoral research work and the agrarian sector of the country as a whole. It was the founder of the formation and development of domestic agrarian science, sectoral research, production of environmentally friendly agricultural products, growing cereals, a number of innovations in animal husbandry and more. Innovations of the members of the Society contributed to the prosperity of entrepreneurship, forced to improve agricultural machinery, to acquire new progressive forms of business. The Society became a center for the development of scientific research in agronomy, initiating the regional study of agriculture of the state. The agricultural research institutions organized by it acted as intermediaries between science and practice. The progressive initiatives of this branch to increase the productivity of domestic fields and farms found practical application not only in Poltava region but also throughout the country. The existence of the Society, in fact, significantly influenced the further development of the agricultural sector of the Russian Empire. In addition, the Society has significant merits in educational activities, the creation of social infrastructure in the countryside in the form of specialized educational institutions, sectoral research institutions, libraries and museums. The practical significance. Studying the activities of Poltava Society of Agriculture gives the possibility of using its experience in the work of officially restored unit, which should take on the historical mission of reforming the system of scientific and educational support of agro-industrial production in accordance with the requirements of the region, the combination of cooperative practice and industry science. Article type: overview.