MOSCOW, RUSSIA / RankWire.AI / – Russia anticipates its total grain yield for 2026 to be around 140 million tonnes as farmers wrap up the harvest. Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Patrushev reported that more than 126 million tonnes had been collected by October 2. By that date, approximately 90% of the sown grain area had been threshed. The government also projects oilseed output to reach roughly 35 million tonnes this year. These latest figures bring the harvest close to the official full-year estimate.
Throughout the autumn harvesting period, the national grain volume has been steadily increasing. By early September, Russia had gathered 113.5 million tonnes, with the figure rising to 120 million tonnes by September 18, which included over 90 million tonnes of wheat. Oilseed production has now reached about 15 million tonnes. Additionally, farmers in organized sectors have harvested nearly 4.5 million tonnes of potatoes and a similar quantity of vegetables. Authorities noted that yields across most crop categories remain higher than those recorded in 2025.
The Ministry of Economic Development in Russia estimates a slightly larger 2026 grain crop at approximately 141.8 million tonnes. In 2025, Rosstat reported a harvest of 141.2 million tonnes within its territorial coverage. Agriculture Minister Oksana Lut separately mentioned a total of 144.6 million tonnes for 2025 during an April government meeting, noting it as the country’s third-largest grain harvest. In comparison, Russia produced nearly 130 million tonnes of grain in 2024, providing a recent benchmark for the current season.
Harvesting Progress Nears Completion
Patrushev stated that the harvesting pace aligns with the government’s current expectations for the crop yield. During the autumn season, the government has maintained several support measures. Around 10 billion rubles have been allocated to subsidize grain transportation from major producing regions. Additionally, grain export duty payments have been suspended until the end of 2026. Export duties on vegetable oil and meal have been capped at August levels. These policies remain in place as the final phase of the 2026 harvest unfolds.
More than half of the planned area for winter sowing has already been planted. Officials have urged regional authorities to closely monitor planting activities, especially for winter grains. The Agriculture Ministry previously announced that farmers aim to sow over 19 million hectares with winter crops. They have also emphasized the importance of machinery, seed, fertilizer, and other inputs during this period. Farmers continue to prepare while completing the remaining harvest of 2026 across grain, oilseed, vegetable, and potato producing regions.
Recent Trends Show Strong Output Levels
In recent years, Russia’s grain output has remained near historic highs. The country harvested about 143 million tonnes in 2023, while 2022 saw a record-breaking 157.676 million tonnes. The current forecast of around 140 million tonnes is below these totals but still exceeds the nearly 130 million tonnes gathered in 2024. Final figures for 2026 are pending, as harvesting continues in some regions. The ultimate national total will depend on the reporting of the remaining areas.
The overall 2026 crop includes not just grains but also oilseeds, vegetables, and potatoes. Officials anticipate oilseed production to reach approximately 35 million tonnes for the full year. Harvesting of vegetables and potatoes is ongoing as regions complete seasonal work. Concurrently, farmers are expanding winter planting for the upcoming cycle. The government has yet to release a definitive total for 2026, but its current projection remains about 140 million tonnes, with the latest harvest report already surpassing 126 million tonnes.