Russian winter crops are currently in a poor state, necessitating partial replacement with spring crops, according to Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Patrushev. The outlook for the upcoming harvest remains uncertain as over 37% of winter crops are reported to be in poor condition or have not sprouted, a stark contrast to just 4% last year—marking the worst conditions ever recorded.
Key Highlights:
Current Crop Conditions:
Analysts from the ProZerno Centre noted that only 31% of winter crops are in good condition, down from 74% last year. Patrushev emphasized the need for replanting with spring crops due to the unfavorable conditions of the winter crops.
Export Context:
Despite the challenges, Russia, the world’s largest wheat exporter, has been exporting at near-record levels. Major importers include Turkey, Egypt, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Algeria.
Government Response:
Patrushev reassured that Russia will meet its domestic grain demand, estimated at 90 million tons annually, while still having surplus for export next year. He stated that the situation is manageable but requires attention from authorities and farmers.
Weather and Soil Conditions:
A report from the state weather forecasting agency highlighted slow vegetation and insufficient precipitation in key agricultural regions, including Rostov, Krasnodar, and Stavropol. Soil moisture deficits have adversely affected crop emergence and growth.
Crop Statistics:
Wheat constitutes about 90% of winter crops in Russia, with a sown area of 16.3 million hectares (40.3 million acres), a decrease from 17.2 million hectares last year. The overall wheat harvest is projected to decline to 83 million tons this year, down from 92.8 million tons in 2023 and a record 104.2 million tons in 2022.