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 season. Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Patrushev stated that farmers had already gathered over 126 million tonnes of grain, having threshed about 90% of the planted area by October 2. Officials also project the country will harvest around 35 million tonnes of oilseeds this year.
These latest figures are an increase from early September, when Russia had harvested 113.5 million tonnes of grain. Oilseed collection has now reached approximately 15 million tonnes. Additionally, farmers in the organized sector have gathered nearly 4.5 million tonnes of potatoes and a similar volume of vegetables. Russian officials reported that yields across most crop categories are exceeding their 2025 levels as field work continues across various producing regions.
Russia’s Ministry of Economic Development has issued a slightly higher forecast for the 2026 grain harvest, estimating around 141.8 million tonnes. Rosstat reported a 2025 harvest of 141.2 million tonnes based on its territorial data. During a government meeting in April, Agriculture Minister Oksana Lut indicated a total of 144.6 million tonnes for 2025, calling it the third-largest grain harvest in the nation’s history. Russia harvested nearly 130 million tonnes of grain in 2024.
Harvest season approaches final stages
Patrushev noted that the current harvesting pace aligns with the government’s expectations for major crops. The Russian authorities continue to support farmers throughout the autumn season, allocating about 10 billion rubles to subsidize transportation from key grain-producing regions. Additionally, the government has suspended grain export duty payments through the end of 2026 and maintained export duties on vegetable oil and meal at August levels.
Winter planting has exceeded half of the planned area, according to officials, who have urged regional authorities to monitor planting progress closely, especially for winter grains. The Agriculture Ministry earlier stated that farmers intended to sow over 19 million hectares with winter crops. Authorities have also emphasized ensuring that farms are well-equipped with machinery, seeds, fertilizer, and other resources necessary for seasonal work.
Grain production remains near recent peaks
Russia’s recent grain harvests continue to be substantial by historical standards, with about 143 million tonnes produced in 2023. The 2022 harvest hit a record 157.676 million tonnes, whereas the current 140 million-tonne forecast is below both those figures but still above the nearly 130 million tonnes collected in 2024. The final 2026 grain total has not yet been announced, as harvesting persists in several regions.
This year’s campaign also underscores the broader scope of Russia’s agricultural output. Along with grain, officials expect oilseed production to reach approximately 35 million tonnes in 2026. Farmers continue harvesting vegetables and potatoes as regional work wraps up, and preparations for winter planting are underway for the upcoming cycle. The government has not issued a definitive grain total yet; the 140 million-tonne estimate remains its current projection.