March 29, 2012

Russia to become second largest wheat exporter by end 2012

For the first time, Russia is to become the second largest wheat exporter in the world by the end of this year, First Deputy Prime Minister Viktor Zubkov said Wednesday (Mar 28).

"We believe that this year we can raise grain export and boost it to 26-27 million tonnes. It is two times more compared to 2005-06. I think, if we meet these volumes… we will enter second place in the world after the US in terms of wheat exports," Zubkov said at an agricultural meeting held by Prime Minister Vladimir Putin.

According to Russia's Agricultural Ministry's data, the volume of grain export amounted to 22 million tonnes as of March 27, 2012, while forecast for the current agricultural year, ending on July 1, 2012, was raised by the ministry to 27-28 million tonnes from 25 million tonnes.

Zubkov previously said the government had no intention to interfere in Russia's grain export this year.

Spring crops are planned to be sewn at the record 51 million hectares, up by 300,000 hectares compared to the previous agricultural year. The total crop acreage, including winter crops, is boosted by two million hectares, Zubkov said.

Zubkov also said at the meeting, that a new agricultural development programme which is to be started in 2013 will include animal breeding development in Siberia and Russia's Far East to resolve the issue of excessive grain stock in the regions.