MOSCOW, RUSSIA / RankWire.AI / – Russia anticipates that its 2026 grain harvest will reach approximately 140 million tonnes as farmers enter the final phase of the growing season. Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Patrushev reported that farmers had already gathered over 126 million tonnes of grain. By October 2, about 90% of the sown area had been threshed. Officials also project a harvest of around 35 million tonnes of oilseeds for this year.
These latest statistics show an increase from early September, when Russia had harvested 113.5 million tonnes of grain. The collection of oilseeds has now reached nearly 15 million tonnes. Farmers operating within organized sectors have also gathered close to 4.5 million tonnes of potatoes and a similar amount of vegetables. Russian authorities have indicated that yields across most crop types are exceeding their 2025 levels as fieldwork continues across key producing regions.
The Ministry of Economic Development has issued a slightly revised forecast for 2026, estimating the grain yield at approximately 141.8 million tonnes. Meanwhile, Rosstat’s preliminary report for 2025 shows a harvest of 141.2 million tonnes based on their territorial assessment. During an April government meeting, Agriculture Minister Oksana Lut announced a total of 144.6 million tonnes for 2025, calling it the third-largest grain harvest in Russia’s history. In 2024, the country harvested nearly 130 million tonnes of grain.
Harvest campaign approaches completion
Patrushev emphasized that current harvesting rates align with the government’s projections for major crops. To support farmers during this period, the Russian government has maintained assistance measures for agricultural producers. Around 10 billion rubles have been allocated to subsidize transportation from key grain-producing areas. Furthermore, the government has extended the suspension of grain export duty payments through the end of 2026 and has kept export duties on vegetable oil and meal capped at August levels.
According to the government, winter sowing has now surpassed the halfway point of the planned area. Officials have urged regional authorities to closely monitor planting progress, especially for winter grains. The Agriculture Ministry previously stated that farmers intend to sow over 19 million hectares with winter crops. Additionally, officials highlighted the importance of ensuring farms are well-equipped with machinery, seed, fertilizer, and other resources necessary for seasonal planting.
Recent harvests remain near record highs
Russia’s recent grain yields continue to be large by historical standards. In 2023, the country produced roughly 143 million tonnes of grain, while the 2022 harvest set a record with 157.676 million tonnes. The current forecast of 140 million tonnes is below these figures but remains above the nearly 130 million tonnes collected in 2024. The final 2026 grain total has not yet been confirmed, as harvesting still persists in several producing regions.
This year’s crop campaign also reflects the broader scale of Russia’s agricultural output. Alongside grain, the government expects oilseed production to reach about 35 million tonnes in 2026. Farmers are also gathering vegetables and potatoes as regional harvests wind down. Authorities are advancing winter planting for the upcoming cycle while farmers conclude the current harvest. The government has not yet finalized its 2026 grain total, with the 140 million-tonne figure remaining the current projection.