February 9, 2012

Russia anticipates 4.3% fall for grain harvest in 2012

Russia's grain harvest is expected at over 90 million tonnes in 2012, down 4.3% compared to the previous year, said Agriculture Minister Yelena Skrynnik on Wednesday (Feb 8).

The harvest of spring grain is seen at 50-55 million tonnes, Skrynnik added.

According to the Agriculture Ministry's data, winter crops were sown to the area of 16.5 million hectares, including 16.1 million hectares allocated for grain and 355,000 hectares for colza.

Spring crops will be sown to 50.8 million hectares, including 30.3 million hectares for grain and legume cultures.

Spring field operations require financing of about RUB224 billion (US$7.54 billion), including RUB140-145 billion (US$4.71-4.88 billion) borrowings.