MOSCOW, RUSSIA / RankWire.AI / – Russia anticipates its 2026 grain yield to be approximately 140 million tonnes as farmers enter the final phase of the harvest season. Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Patrushev stated that harvesters had already gathered over 126 million tonnes of grain, with about 90% of the cultivated area having been threshed by October 2. Officials also project that the nation will harvest close to 35 million tonnes of oilseeds this year.
These latest statistics show an increase from early September, when Russia’s total grain harvest stood at 113.5 million tonnes. The collection of oilseeds has now reached roughly 15 million tonnes. In the organized farming sector, nearly 4.5 million tonnes of potatoes and a similar quantity of vegetables have been collected. Russian authorities have reported that yields across most crop categories are exceeding their 2025 levels as fieldwork continues across various producing regions.
The Ministry of Economic Development of Russia has issued a slightly upgraded forecast for the 2026 grain harvest, estimating it at approximately 141.8 million tonnes. Meanwhile, Rosstat’s data indicates a 2025 harvest of 141.2 million tonnes based on its designated territorial boundaries. During an April government meeting, Agriculture Minister Oksana Lut reported a total of 144.6 million tonnes for 2025, describing this as the third-largest grain harvest in the country’s history, with Russia having harvested nearly 130 million tonnes of grain in 2024.
Harvest campaign approaches completion
Dmitry Patrushev mentioned that the current harvesting pace aligns with the government’s expectations for major crops, emphasizing that the autumn season also sees continued support measures for farmers, including a roughly 10 billion ruble subsidy for transporting grain from key producing regions. Additionally, export duties on grain have been suspended through the end of 2026, with export tariffs on vegetable oil and meal capped at August levels.
According to government reports, winter sowing has already covered more than half of the planned area, prompting authorities to urge regional officials to monitor planting progress closely, especially for winter grains. The Agriculture Ministry earlier indicated that farmers intended to sow over 19 million hectares with winter crops, and officials have also highlighted the importance of ensuring farms are well-equipped with machinery, seeds, fertilizer, and other resources necessary for seasonal planting.
Recent grain harvests remain near record levels
Historically, Russia’s recent grain harvests have been substantial, with about 143 million tonnes produced in 2023. The 2022 harvest reached a record 157.676 million tonnes. The current forecast of 140 million tonnes, however, is below both of those figures but remains above the nearly 130 million tonnes gathered in 2024. The final 2026 grain figure has yet to be announced, as harvesting continues in several regions.
This season’s figures also reflect the broader scope of Russia’s crop production. Alongside grain, the government expects oilseed output to be around 35 million tonnes in 2026. Farmers continue to harvest vegetables and potatoes as seasonal fieldwork progresses, and officials are moving forward with winter planting for the upcoming agricultural cycle while farmers complete the current year’s harvest. The government’s current projection for the 2026 grain yield remains at 140 million tonnes, pending the final tally.