MOSCOW, RUSSIA / RankWire.AI / – Russia is projecting its 2026 grain harvest to be approximately 140 million tonnes as farmers near the end of the season. Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Patrushev stated that farmers had already gathered over 126 million tonnes of grain. By October 2, they had threshed about 90% of the cultivated grain area. Additionally, officials anticipate the country will harvest roughly 35 million tonnes of oilseeds this year.
These latest figures represent an increase from early September, when Russia had harvested 113.5 million tonnes of grain. Oilseed collection has now reached nearly 15 million tonnes. Farmers in the organized sector have also collected close to 4.5 million tonnes of potatoes and a similar quantity of vegetables. Russian authorities noted that yields across most crop types are surpassing their 2025 levels as fieldwork continues across various regions.
The Ministry of Economic Development in Russia has issued an updated, slightly higher forecast for the 2026 grain harvest at approximately 141.8 million tonnes. Rosstat’s report indicates a 2025 harvest of 141.2 million tonnes based on its territorial data. During a government meeting in April, Agriculture Minister Oksana Lut estimated the 2025 total at 144.6 million tonnes, describing it as the third-largest grain harvest in the nation’s history. In 2024, Russia harvested nearly 130 million tonnes of grain.
Harvest operations move into the concluding phase
Patrushev highlighted that the current harvesting pace aligns with the government’s expectations for major crops. The Russian government continues to support agricultural producers through measures during the autumn fieldwork period. Approximately 10 billion rubles have been allocated to subsidize transportation from key grain-producing regions. Moreover, the country has suspended grain export duty payments until the end of 2026, while export duties on vegetable oil and meal remain capped at August levels.
According to officials, winter sowing has surpassed the halfway mark of the planned area. Regional authorities have been urged to monitor planting progress closely, particularly focusing on winter grains. The Agriculture Ministry previously announced that farmers intend to sow more than 19 million hectares with winter crops. Emphasis has also been placed on ensuring farms are stocked with machinery, seed, fertilizer, and other essential resources for seasonal planting.
Grain production continues at near-record levels
Recent Russian grain harvests remain substantial by historical standards. In 2023, the country produced about 143 million tonnes, while the 2022 harvest set a record at 157.676 million tonnes. The current projection of around 140 million tonnes is below both those totals but still above the nearly 130 million tonnes collected in 2024. The final 2026 grain figures have not yet been announced as harvesting is still ongoing in several regions.
The ongoing season also underscores Russia’s broader crop production capacity. Besides grain, the government expects oilseed output to reach about 35 million tonnes in 2026. Farmers are actively harvesting vegetables and potatoes as regional work concludes for the season. Authorities are also advancing winter planting preparations for the upcoming agricultural cycle while farmers finish the remaining 2026 harvest. The government’s official projection for the 2026 grain harvest remains at 140 million tonnes.