December 29, 2011

Russia to export 25-million-tonne grain after harvest

The 2011 grain harvest of Russia totalled 93.8 million tonnes and will export 25 million tonnes, the agricultural ministry said Wednesday (Dec 28).

The outcome of the harvest "will fully cover the domestic demand and will allow to export 25 million tonnes," the statement said, citing the minister of agriculture Elenna Skrynnik.

This compares to only 60.9 million tonnes in 2010 when the country suffered from severe drought and as a result exports of grain were banned until July.

In September, Prime Minister Vladimir Putin said that the expected 90 million tonnes harvest would not only meet domestic requirements, but also allow Russia to "regain its position as one of the world biggest grain exporters."