MOSCOW, RUSSIA / RankWire.AI / – Russia is projecting its 2026 grain harvest to reach approximately 140 million tonnes as farmers wind down the season. Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Patrushev stated that farmers had collected more than 126 million tonnes by October 2. By that date, they had threshed about 90% of the planted grain area. The government also anticipates oilseed output to approximate 35 million tonnes for this year. These latest figures bring the harvest close to the official full-year forecast.
Throughout the autumn harvesting period, the national grain total has steadily increased. Russia had gathered 113.5 million tonnes by early September and 120 million tonnes by September 18, with over 90 million tonnes of wheat included in that figure. Oilseed production has now reached roughly 15 million tonnes. In addition, farmers in the organized sector have collected nearly 4.5 million tonnes of potatoes and a similar volume of vegetables. Authorities note that yields across most crop types are still exceeding 2025 levels.
The Ministry of Economic Development of Russia estimates a slightly higher 2026 grain crop of around 141.8 million tonnes. Meanwhile, Rosstat reported a 2025 harvest of 141.2 million tonnes within its defined territorial coverage. Agriculture Minister Oksana Lut separately cited a 2025 total of 144.6 million tonnes at an April government session. She mentioned that this marked the third-largest grain harvest in the country’s history. In 2024, Russia produced nearly 130 million tonnes of grain, providing another recent benchmark for comparison with this season’s progress.
Harvest activity advances toward completion
Patrushev commented that the pace of harvesting supports the current projections for crop yields. The Russian government has maintained several support measures throughout the autumn fieldwork. Authorities allocated approximately 10 billion rubles to subsidize grain transportation from key producing regions. Furthermore, grain export duty payments have been suspended through the end of 2026. Additionally, export duties on vegetable oil and meal are capped at August levels. These policies remain in effect during the final stages of the 2026 harvest.
Winter planting has already exceeded half of its targeted area for the upcoming agricultural cycle. Officials have urged regional authorities to monitor planting closely, especially for winter grains. The Agriculture Ministry previously indicated that farmers intend to sow over 19 million hectares with winter crops. They also emphasized the importance of machinery, seed, fertilizer, and other supplies during seasonal operations. Farmers are continuing preparations while finishing the remaining 2026 harvest across grain, oilseed, vegetable, and potato fields.
Current yields remain high by recent standards
Recent years have seen Russia’s grain output stay near historically high levels. The country harvested about 143 million tonnes in 2023, while 2022 saw a record 157.676 million tonnes. The current estimate of about 140 million tonnes is lower than these totals but still above the nearly 130 million tonnes collected in 2024. Officials have not finalized the 2026 figure yet, as harvesting continues in some regions. The ultimate national total will depend on completed reports from the remaining harvest zones.
In addition to grain, the 2026 campaign includes oilseeds, vegetables, and potatoes. Officials expect oilseed production to reach approximately 35 million tonnes for the full year. Meanwhile, vegetable and potato harvesting persists as regions conclude seasonal field operations. Simultaneously, farmers are expanding winter planting for the next cycle. The Russian government has yet to release an official final grain total, but its current projection remains near 140 million tonnes for 2026, with the latest harvest report already surpassing 126 million tonnes.