Russia harvests almost 105 mln tonnes of grain to date, total harvest forecast of 135 mln tonnes maintained - Deputy PM Patrushev

MOSCOW. Sept 9 (Interfax) - Russia has harvested almost 105 million tonnes of grain to date, and the forecast for the total harvest this year remains unchanged at 135 million tonnes, Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Patrushev said at a meeting dedicated to the progress of seasonal field work, according to his press service.

"At the moment, the harvesting of the new crop is underway in all grain-producing regions. Last week we already passed the mark of 100 million tonnes of grain. And to date, farmers have harvested almost 105 million tonnes. The yield exceeds last year's," Patrushev said.

The forecasted harvest of 135 million tonnes has thus been maintained, Patrushev said.

In addition, the harvesting of other agricultural crops is underway, he said. "Respectable amounts of sunflower, sugar beet and vegetables and potatoes in the organized sector are expected - at the level of or higher than in 2024," he said.

The sowing of winter crops has begun in almost half of the regions, he said. It has already been carried out on almost 4 million hectares. A total of approximately 20 million hectares are planned for winter crops, he said.

"According to the Agriculture Ministry, seasonal field work is proceeding according to schedule and generally as normal," he said.

The government has allocated over 105 billion rubles for direct support to agricultural producers in 2025, Patrushev said. In addition, more than 18 billion rubles have been allocated to subsidize preferential short-term loans specifically intended to support seasonal field work. "Such a significant amount has been allocated for the first time," he said.

"I expect that the Agriculture Ministry and regional authorities are constantly monitoring the delivery of funds, as well as ensuring that agricultural producers have the necessary material and technical resources," he said.

Following the meeting, Patrushev said that the top priorities are completing the harvest with minimal losses and ensuring its preservation. To do this, it is important to monitor the readiness of facilities for drying and storage, including elevators and granaries, he said.

Patrushev also gave instructions to ensure control over the timely conduct of winter sowing, the phytosanitary condition of crops, as well as the availability of necessary resources for agricultural producers - agricultural machinery, seeds and mineral fertilizers. He tasked the Agriculture Ministry together with the Energy Ministry with monitoring fuel availability.

In addition, the Agriculture Ministry together with regional authorities has been instructed to constantly monitor the delivery of funds to agricultural producers across all areas of state support.