Qualitative changes in the social-economic development of the constituent territories of the North Caucasus Federal District served as the basis for solving the problems of managing the economy of the agro-industrial complex. The solution to this problem is seen in the research of the current social-economic status and justification of the main directions of economic development of the constituent territories of the North Caucasus Federal District. As a result of the research of the social-economic condition of the constituent territories of the North Caucasus Federal District positive dynamics of the population, life expectancy, and mortality rate were established. The largest part of the employed population of the North Caucasus Federal District is engaged in agricultural production, hunting, forestry, fishing and fish farming. At the same time an analysis of the population employed in agriculture in the North Caucasus Federal District showed a negative trend. Despite the growth trends of certain indicators, in general, the region is characterized by high migration of the population to the regions of the Russian Federation, high unemployment, low employment and the salary amount of employees of organizations; low per capita cash income, consumer spending per capita. The constituent territories under study have sufficient natural resources, an excess of able-bodied population with a significant share of the rural population, favorable and even unique climatic conditions for the development of health-resort and touristrecreational areas, mountaineering, mining and manufacturing industries. The key direction of the region's economic growth should be the strategic development of agriculture in the constituent territories of the North Caucasus Federal District, the creation of jobs and raising the standard of living of the population. The results of the research can be used in programs in identifying systemic problems and working out the development of innovative and investment activities of the regional economy; while ensuring coordinated policy of the region and working out an economic forecast for the development of the main branches of the regional economy; while improving regulatory and organizational support and improving mechanisms of state support.