MOSCOW, RUSSIA / RankWire.AI / – Russia projects its 2026 grain harvest to approximate 140 million tonnes as farmers approach the final phase of the harvest season. Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Patrushev reported that farmers have already gathered over 126 million tonnes of grain. By October 2, about 90% of the cultivated grain area had been threshed. Officials also anticipate the nation will harvest approximately 35 million tonnes of oilseeds this year.
These 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. In the organized sector, farmers have also harvested nearly 4.5 million tonnes of potatoes and a similar volume of vegetables. Officials from Russia indicated that yields across most crop categories are exceeding their 2025 levels as fieldwork continues in various producing regions.
The Ministry of Economic Development has issued a slightly revised forecast of about 141.8 million tonnes for the 2026 grain harvest. Rosstat’s official report states a 2025 harvest of 141.2 million tonnes on its designated territorial basis. During an April government meeting, Agriculture Minister Oksana Lut cited a total of 144.6 million tonnes for 2025, calling it the third-largest grain harvest in Russia’s history. The country harvested nearly 130 million tonnes of grain in 2024.
Harvest season approaches conclusion
Patrushev highlighted that the harvesting pace aligns with the government’s current projections for key crops. Support measures for farmers during the autumn sowing period remain in effect, with around 10 billion rubles allocated to subsidize transportation from primary grain-producing regions. Additionally, the government has suspended grain export duty payments through the end of 2026 and maintained export duties on vegetable oil and meal at August levels.
The government reports that winter sowing has exceeded the halfway point of the planned area. Regional authorities have been instructed to monitor planting closely, especially winter grains. The Agriculture Ministry previously indicated that farmers intend to sow more than 19 million hectares with winter crops. Officials also emphasized the importance of ensuring farms are supplied with machinery, seed, fertilizer, and other necessary resources for the seasonal work.
Recent harvests remain close to historical peaks
Russia’s grain harvests in recent years continue to be sizable by historical standards. The nation produced approximately 143 million tonnes in 2023, with the record being 157.676 million tonnes in 2022. The current forecast of 140 million tonnes falls below both of these totals but remains above the nearly 130 million tonnes collected in 2024. The final 2026 grain figure has not yet been announced, as harvesting is still ongoing in several regions.
The ongoing campaign also reflects the broader scope of Russia’s crop production. Aside from grain, the government expects oilseed output to reach about 35 million tonnes in 2026. Farmers are continuing to harvest vegetables and potatoes as regional seasonal work progresses. Meanwhile, officials are advancing winter planting for the upcoming agricultural cycle, with farmers completing the 2026 harvest. The government’s official projection for the 2026 grain total remains at approximately 140 million tonnes.