September 2, 2010

Grain imports not necessary for Russia

Russia will need no imports of grain this crop year, said Agriculture Minister Yelena Skrynnik on Wednesday (Sep 1).

"No (imports), we will manage without them," Skrynnik told reporters when asked about the need for imports.

She reiterated the ministry's official forecast for this year's grain crop of 60-65 million tonnes.

On the other hand, Deputy Economy Minister Andrei Klepach, who estimates the crop will be between 62 and 63 million tonnes, said on Monday (Aug 30) that imports may reach three million tonnes.

SovEcon agricultural analysts believe the harvest will be 60 million tonnes and imports may reach six million tonnes.