MOSCOW, RUSSIA / RankWire.AI / – Russia anticipates its 2026 grain harvest will reach approximately 140 million tonnes as farmers enter the final phase of the season. Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Patrushev stated that farmers have already gathered over 126 million tonnes of grain, with around 90% of the cultivated area threshed by October 2. Additionally, officials project the country will harvest about 35 million tonnes of oilseeds this year.
These latest figures represent an increase from early September, when Russia had already harvested 113.5 million tonnes of grain. The oilseed collection has now reached roughly 15 million tonnes. Moreover, farmers in the organized sector have collected nearly 4.5 million tonnes of potatoes and a similar amount of vegetables. Russian officials note that yields across most crop categories are exceeding their 2025 levels as fieldwork continues across key production regions.
Russia’s Ministry of Economic Development has revised its 2026 grain forecast slightly upward to around 141.8 million tonnes. Meanwhile, Rosstat reported a 2025 harvest of 141.2 million tonnes based on its territorial data. During an April government meeting, Agriculture Minister Oksana Lut mentioned a total of 144.6 million tonnes for 2025, calling it the third-largest grain harvest in the country’s history. In 2024, Russia’s grain harvest was nearly 130 million tonnes.
Harvesting enters its concluding phase
Patrushev highlighted that the current harvesting pace aligns with the government’s expectations for major crops. The Russian authorities continue to support farmers during the autumn fieldwork, allocating about 10 billion rubles to subsidize transportation from key grain-producing regions. Moreover, the government has suspended grain export duty payments through the end of 2026 and capped export duties on vegetable oil and meal at August levels.
Winter planting has already surpassed the halfway mark of the planned area, according to officials. Regional authorities have been advised to monitor planting progress closely, especially for winter grains. The Agriculture Ministry previously indicated that farmers intended to sow more than 19 million hectares with winter crops. Authorities also emphasize maintaining farm supplies of machinery, seed, fertilizer, and other resources essential for seasonal activities.
Recent harvests keep pace with historical highs
Russia’s recent grain yields remain high by historical standards. In 2023, the country produced approximately 143 million tonnes, while the 2022 harvest set a record at 157.676 million tonnes. The current forecast of 140 million tonnes is below these figures but still higher than the nearly 130 million tonnes collected in 2024. The final 2026 grain total has yet to be announced, as harvesting continues in several regions.
This year’s campaign also reflects the broader scope of Russia’s crop production efforts. Alongside grain, the government anticipates oilseed output will reach about 35 million tonnes in 2026. Farmers continue harvesting vegetables and potatoes as regional seasonal work concludes. Officials are also advancing winter planting for the upcoming cycle while farmers finish the remaining 2026 harvest. The government’s official final grain figure remains at the projected 140 million tonnes.