February 4, 2009
Russia exports 13 million tonnes of grain by Jan 30
Russia exported 12.96 million tonnes of grain from the start of the 2008-09 crop year on July 1 to January 30, according to the Agriculture Ministry.
The exported grain included 11.4 million tonnes of wheat and 1.55 million tonnes of barley.
Russia exported 830,000 tonnes of grain in the first 30 days of January, including 758,000 tonnes of wheat and 72,000 tonnes of barley, the ministry said.
Exports declined in January from December 2008 due to long holidays.
In December 2008, Russia shipped 1.81 million tonnes of grain, including 1.4 million tonnes of wheat.
In addition, Agriculture Minister Alexei Gordeyev said Russia's grain reserves will reach 26-28 million tonnes, 150-percent above the required amount.
Gordeyev also said there was a possibility of buying up to 18-20 million tonnes of grain by using the money allocated for this purpose.
Purchases will continue until grain prices come close to the government target, said Gordeyev.
