MOSCOW, RUSSIA / RankWire.AI / – Russia anticipates its 2026 grain yield to reach approximately 140 million tonnes as farmers enter the final phase of the harvest season. Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Patrushev reported that farmers have already gathered over 126 million tonnes of grain. By October 2, they had threshed roughly 90% of the sown area. In addition, officials project the country will produce around 35 million tonnes of oilseeds in 2026.
These latest figures show an increase from early September, when Russia had harvested 113.5 million tonnes of grain. The collection of oilseeds has now reached approximately 15 million tonnes. Farmers in the formal sector have also harvested nearly 4.5 million tonnes of potatoes and an equal amount of vegetables. Russian authorities noted that yields across most crop categories are exceeding their 2025 levels as fieldwork continues across agricultural regions.
The Ministry of Economic Development forecasts a slightly higher 2026 grain output of around 141.8 million tonnes. Meanwhile, Rosstat’s preliminary data reports a 2025 harvest totaling 141.2 million tonnes based on its territorial calculations. During a government meeting in April, Agriculture Minister Oksana Lut announced a 2025 total of 144.6 million tonnes, calling it the third-largest grain harvest in Russia’s history. In 2024, Russia’s grain harvest was nearly 130 million tonnes.
Harvest season advances into its final phase
Patrushev highlighted that the harvest rate aligns with the government’s current projections for key crops. Support measures for farmers remain in place during this autumn’s fieldwork, with about 10 billion rubles allocated to subsidize transportation from major grain-producing regions. The government has also waived grain export duty payments until the end of 2026 and maintained export duties on vegetable oil and meal at August levels.
Winter sowing has now covered more than half of the planned area, according to officials. They have urged regional authorities to monitor planting closely, especially winter grains. The Agriculture Ministry previously stated that farmers intend to sow more than 19 million hectares with winter crops. Authorities have also emphasized the importance of ensuring farms are equipped with machinery, seed, fertilizer, and other essential resources for seasonal activities.
Grain production remains near recent peaks
Recent grain harvests in Russia continue to be significant by historic standards. In 2023, the country produced about 143 million tonnes of grain. The 2022 harvest reached a record 157.676 million tonnes. The current projection of 140 million tonnes is below both these figures but remains above the nearly 130 million tonnes collected in 2024. The final 2026 grain total has not yet been announced, as harvesting is still ongoing in several producing regions.
This year’s campaign also highlights Russia’s broader crop output. Besides grain, the government expects oilseed production to hit around 35 million tonnes in 2026. Farmers continue to harvest vegetables and potatoes as regions complete seasonal field work. Officials are also progressing with winter planting for the upcoming agricultural cycle while farmers finish the remaining 2026 harvest. The government’s official projection remains at 140 million tonnes for the total grain harvest.