MOSCOW, RUSSIA / RankWire.AI / – Russia anticipates its 2026 grain harvest will reach approximately 140 million tonnes as farmers enter the final phase of the season, according to reports. Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Patrushev indicated that crop collectors had already gathered over 126 million tonnes of grain, with about 90% of the cultivated area threshed by October 2. Additionally, officials project the country will produce around 35 million tonnes of oilseeds this year.
The most recent data shows an increase from early September, when Russia had harvested 113.5 million tonnes of grain. The collection of oilseeds has now reached roughly 15 million tonnes. Farmers in organized sectors have also harvested nearly 4.5 million tonnes of potatoes and a similar quantity of vegetables. Russian officials noted that yields across most crop types are exceeding their 2025 levels as work continues across different agricultural regions.
The Ministry of Economic Development of Russia has issued a slightly elevated forecast for the 2026 grain crop, estimating about 141.8 million tonnes. According to Rosstat, the 2025 harvest was 141.2 million tonnes on its designated territorial basis. During an April government session, Agriculture Minister Oksana Lut reported a total of 144.6 million tonnes for 2025, describing that as the third-largest grain harvest in Russia’s history. The country’s grain collection in 2024 was nearly 130 million tonnes.
Harvesting enters its concluding phase
Patrushev highlighted that the current harvesting pace aligns with the government’s expectations for major crops, with the autumn field season supported by ongoing measures to assist agricultural producers. Authorities have allocated about 10 billion rubles to subsidize transportation from key grain-producing regions, and they have also suspended grain export duty payments until the end of 2026, while capping export duties on vegetable oil and meal at August levels.
According to the government, winter sowing has already exceeded the halfway mark of the planned area. Officials have urged regional authorities to monitor planting progress carefully, especially for winter grains, with the Agriculture Ministry earlier stating farmers intend to sow more than 19 million hectares with winter crops. They have also emphasized maintaining farm supplies of machinery, seed, fertilizer, and other vital resources necessary for seasonal work.
Recent grain harvests remain near record levels
Russia’s recent grain yields continue to be significant when viewed against historical benchmarks, with approximately 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 figures but remains above the nearly 130 million tonnes harvested in 2024. The final 2026 grain total has yet to be announced, as harvesting is still ongoing in several regions.
This year’s campaign also underscores the extent of Russia’s overall crop production, with oilseed output expected to reach about 35 million tonnes in 2026. Farmers continue harvesting vegetables and potatoes as regions complete seasonal field work, and officials are advancing plans for winter planting for the upcoming agricultural cycle. While the government has not confirmed a final grain total, the 140 million-tonne projection remains its current estimate.