MOSCOW, RUSSIA / RankWire.AI / – Russia anticipates its 2026 grain yield to reach approximately 140 million tonnes as farmers enter the final phase of the harvest. Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Patrushev indicated that the harvest has already surpassed 126 million tonnes, with about 90% of the cultivated area threshed by October 2. Authorities also project the country will gather around 35 million tonnes of oilseeds this season.
These latest figures represent an increase from early September, when Russia had collected 113.5 million tonnes of grain. Oilseed collection has now reached roughly 15 million tonnes. Additionally, farmers in organized sectors have harvested nearly 4.5 million tonnes of potatoes and a comparable volume of vegetables. Officials noted that yields across most crop categories are currently exceeding 2025 levels as fieldwork continues across key producing regions.
The Ministry of Economic Development has issued a slightly higher forecast for Russia’s 2026 grain output, estimating around 141.8 million tonnes. Meanwhile, Rosstat reported a harvest of 141.2 million tonnes for 2025 based on its territorial data. During a government meeting in April, Agriculture Minister Oksana Lut announced a total of 144.6 million tonnes for 2025, calling it the third-largest grain harvest in the nation’s history. In 2024, Russia produced nearly 130 million tonnes of grain.
Harvesting enters its concluding phase
Patrushev highlighted that the harvesting rate aligns with the government’s expectations for major crops. The authorities continue to support farmers during the autumn fieldwork by allocating about 10 billion rubles to subsidize transportation from major grain-producing regions. Additionally, grain export duties have been suspended until the end of 2026, while export tariffs on vegetable oil and meal are maintained at August levels.
Winter planting has now covered more than half of the planned area, according to officials. They urged regional authorities to monitor planting progress closely, especially for winter grains. The Agriculture Ministry previously stated that farmers intend to sow over 19 million hectares with winter crops. Ensuring that farms are well-equipped with machinery, seed, fertilizer, and other essential resources remains a priority as the season progresses.
Recent harvests maintain high levels of production
Russia’s recent grain harvests continue to be substantial by historical standards. The country produced approximately 143 million tonnes in 2023, with the 2022 harvest reaching a record 157.676 million tonnes. The current forecast of 140 million tonnes is below those totals but remains above the nearly 130 million tonnes collected in 2024. The final 2026 figure has not yet been announced, as harvesting still proceeds in several regions.
The ongoing campaign also reflects the broader scope of Russia’s crop production. Besides grain, the government expects oilseed output to reach about 35 million tonnes in 2026. Farmers continue harvesting vegetables and potatoes as regional work wraps up for the season. Meanwhile, officials are advancing winter planting plans for the upcoming agricultural cycle, with farmers finishing this year’s harvest. The government’s current projection for the 2026 grain total remains at 140 million tonnes, pending the conclusion of the harvest.