April 25, 2012

The general grain exports from Russia already reached the level of 23.6 million tonnes in the current marketing year and as of April 23, 2012, said Elena Skrynnik, Minister of Agriculture of the Russian Federation.

According to the previous reports, declared by the Ministry of Agriculture, as of March 27, the grain exports totalled 22 million tonnes.

According Skrynnik, wheat formed the major share of the export structure. She confirmed the forecast of the Ministry of the grain export volumes until the end of the agricultural year at the volume of 26-27 million tonnes.

Artem Belov, Deputy Minister, said that in the recent week the rates of grain exports substantially declined, and the country exported rather small grain volumes. However, he noted that there is a demand for the grain in the country, particularly in the southern regions from the livestock industry, purchasing feed grains.

Skrynnik also reported about the confirmation of winter crops perishing. The index of winter grain losses totals nearly 6-7%, she said.