This article examines the results of market transformation of the agrarian sector in Russia 1990s-2000s, as well as social risks of human development. The author defines social risks as possible negative consequences of social policies that represent a threat to human development. Among them author refers to the lack of resources required for the reproduction of human capital; low public spending on health, education and recreational services not compensated for the lack of individual investments in human capital development; excessive social stratification of society, not conducive to economic growth and social development; low share of the middle class as a support and the driving force of innovation development and social progress; lack of an economic base for the expansion of the middle class. By summarizing, the author concludes that the lack of resources for human development makes illusory hopes for breakthrough innovation in the development of the agro-food complex in rural areas.