MOSCOW, RUSSIA / RankWire.AI / – Russia anticipates its 2026 grain harvest will total approximately 140 million tonnes as farmers enter the final phase of the season. Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Patrushev reported that farmers have already gathered over 126 million tonnes of grain. By October 2, they had threshed roughly 90% of the planted area. Additionally, officials project the country will harvest around 35 million tonnes of oilseeds this year.
These latest statistics show an increase from early September, when Russia’s harvest stood at 113.5 million tonnes. Currently, oilseed collection has reached about 15 million tonnes. Farmers involved in organized sectors have also gathered nearly 4.5 million tonnes of potatoes and an equivalent amount of vegetables. Russian authorities noted that yields across most crop categories are exceeding their 2025 levels as fieldwork continues across various producing regions.
The Ministry of Economic Development of Russia has issued a slightly higher grain forecast for 2026, estimating about 141.8 million tonnes. Meanwhile, Rosstat’s data indicates a 2025 harvest of 141.2 million tonnes based on its territorial assessment. During an April government meeting, Agriculture Minister Oksana Lut announced a 2025 total of 144.6 million tonnes, describing this as the third-largest grain harvest in the nation’s history. In 2024, Russia harvested nearly 130 million tonnes of grain.
Harvesting phase progresses into its final stage
Patrushev emphasized that the pace of the current harvest aligns with the government’s expectations for key crops. The Russian government continues to support farmers during the autumn planting season, having allocated approximately 10 billion rubles to subsidize transportation from major grain-producing regions. Furthermore, export duties on grain have been suspended until the end of 2026, while duties on vegetable oils and meal are capped at August levels.
According to officials, winter sowing has surpassed the halfway mark of the planned area. They have urged regional authorities to monitor planting activities closely, especially winter grains. The Agriculture Ministry previously stated that farmers aim to sow over 19 million hectares with winter crops. Additionally, there is a focus on ensuring farms are supplied with machinery, seeds, fertilizer, and other necessary resources for the seasonal work.
Recent grain yields remain close to historical peaks
Russia’s recent grain harvests have been sizable compared to historical standards. The country produced approximately 143 million tonnes in 2023, and its 2022 harvest reached a record 157.676 million tonnes. The current forecast of 140 million tonnes falls below these totals but remains above the nearly 130 million tonnes collected in 2024. The final 2026 figure has yet to be announced, as harvesting continues in several key areas.
This campaign also highlights the scope of Russia’s broader agricultural output. Alongside grain, the government expects oilseed production to reach around 35 million tonnes in 2026. Farmers are still harvesting vegetables and potatoes as regions complete their seasonal planting. Meanwhile, officials are advancing winter planting efforts for the upcoming cycle while farmers finish the remaining 2026 harvest. The government’s official projection of 140 million tonnes remains its current estimate, pending final data.