MOSCOW, RUSSIA / RankWire.AI / – Russia anticipates its 2026 grain harvest will reach approximately 140 million tonnes as farmers near the culmination of the season. Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Patrushev noted that harvesters had already gathered over 126 million tonnes of grain by early October, with roughly 90% of the planted area threshed. The government also projects the collection of about 35 million tonnes of oilseeds for this year.
These figures reflect an increase from early September, when Russia’s grain harvest was at 113.5 million tonnes. Oilseed collection has now reached roughly 15 million tonnes. Additionally, farmers in organized sectors have harvested nearly 4.5 million tonnes of potatoes and a similar quantity of vegetables. Officials highlighted that yields in most crop categories are exceeding their 2025 levels as harvesting continues across key regions.
The Ministry of Economic Development has issued a slightly higher forecast of about 141.8 million tonnes for the 2026 grain harvest. Meanwhile, Rosstat’s data indicates a 2025 harvest of 141.2 million tonnes based on its territorial calculations. At an April government session, Agriculture Minister Oksana Lut reported a 2025 total of 144.6 million tonnes, describing it as the third-largest in Russian history. The country’s 2024 grain harvest was nearly 130 million tonnes.
Harvest campaign approaches its final phase
Patrushev affirmed that current harvesting progress aligns with the government’s expectations for major crops. Support measures for farmers have been maintained throughout the autumn season, including a 10 billion ruble subsidy for transportation from key grain-producing regions. Additionally, grain export duty payments have been suspended through 2026, with export duties on vegetable oil and meal capped at August levels.
Winter planting has surpassed the halfway mark of its planned area, according to officials. Authorities are closely monitoring planting, especially winter grains, with regional governments urged to track progress. The Agriculture Ministry previously indicated plans to sow more than 19 million hectares with winter crops. Ensuring farms are stocked with machinery, seed, fertilizer, and other essential resources remains a priority during this period.
Recent harvests sustain high levels of production
Russia’s recent grain yields remain high by historical standards, with about 143 million tonnes produced in 2023 and a record 157.676 million tonnes in 2022. The current forecast of 140 million tonnes is below these totals but remains above the nearly 130 million tonnes harvested in 2024. The final 2026 grain figure has not yet been confirmed, as harvesting is still ongoing in several regions.
This year’s crop data also reflects Russia’s broader agricultural output, with oilseed production expected to reach around 35 million tonnes in 2026. Farmers are still gathering vegetables and potatoes as regional work continues, while winter planting for the upcoming cycle progresses. The government’s official estimate of the 2026 harvest remains at 140 million tonnes, with no final total announced yet.