MOSCOW, RUSSIA / RankWire.AI / – Russia anticipates its 2026 grain harvest will total around 140 million tonnes as farmers wrap up the season. Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Patrushev stated that farmers had collected more than 126 million tonnes by October 2, with approximately 90% of the planted grain area threshed by that date. The government also predicts oilseed production to reach roughly 35 million tonnes this year. These latest figures bring the harvest close to the official full-year forecast.
The national grain tally has shown a consistent upward trend during the autumn harvest season. By early September, Russia had gathered 113.5 million tonnes, and by September 18, the total reached 120 million tonnes, which included over 90 million tonnes of wheat. Oilseed output has now climbed to about 15 million tonnes. In addition, farmers in organized sectors have collected nearly 4.5 million tonnes of potatoes and a similar amount of vegetables. Officials noted that yields for most crop categories remain above their 2025 levels.
The Ministry of Economic Development projects a slightly higher 2026 grain harvest of around 141.8 million tonnes. According to Rosstat, the 2025 harvest totaled 141.2 million tonnes within its territorial coverage. Agriculture Minister Oksana Lut separately mentioned a 2025 figure of 144.6 million tonnes at an April government meeting, highlighting it as the nation’s third-largest grain harvest. Russia produced nearly 130 million tonnes of grain in 2024, providing a recent benchmark for comparison in this season’s yields.
Harvest activities continue to advance toward completion
Patrushev indicated that the pace of harvesting aligns with the government’s current crop expectations. During the autumn fieldwork, the Russian authorities have maintained various support measures. Approximately 10 billion rubles have been allocated to subsidize grain transportation from key producing regions. Additionally, export duty payments on grain have been suspended through the end of 2026. Export duties on vegetable oil and meal remain capped at August levels. These measures are integral to the policy framework guiding the final stages of the 2026 harvest.
Winter planting has already covered more than half of the planned area for the upcoming agricultural cycle. Regional authorities have been urged to monitor the sowing process closely, especially for winter grains. The Agriculture Ministry earlier confirmed that farmers intend to sow over 19 million hectares with winter crops. Officials also emphasized the importance of machinery, seed, fertilizer, and other supplies during this seasonal phase. Farmers continue preparations while concluding the remaining 2026 harvest across grain, oilseed, vegetable, and potato-growing regions.
Recent harvest levels remain high by historical standards
In recent years, Russia’s grain output has remained near historically high levels. The country harvested about 143 million tonnes in 2023, and in 2022, production peaked at a record 157.676 million tonnes. The current forecast of about 140 million tonnes is below both of those totals but still exceeds the nearly 130 million tonnes collected in 2024. Since harvesting is ongoing in some regions, officials have yet to issue a final 2026 figure. The ultimate national total will depend on reports from the remaining harvest areas.
The broader 2026 crop includes oilseeds, vegetables, and potatoes. Oilseed production is expected to reach approximately 35 million tonnes for the full year. Meanwhile, vegetable and potato harvesting continues as regions complete seasonal field operations. Concurrently, farmers are expanding winter planting efforts for the next cycle. The Russian government has not yet released a definitive grain total, but its current projection remains at about 140 million tonnes for 2026, with reports already indicating a harvest exceeding 126 million tonnes.