Russia, one of the world's top wheat exporters, is expected to increase its 2013 winter grain harvest by 32 percent, year-on-year, giving it some room to maneuver should domestic or export demand fluctuate.
The country is expected to harvest 38.6 million tons of winter grain next year with an expected average yield of 2.7 tons per hectare, the same as the last five years, the Agriculture Ministry said on Wednesday.
Russia, historically the world's third-largest wheat exporter, was hit by unfavorable weather during winter and by drought in spring this year, severely depleting grain stocks, sending domestic wheat prices to record highs and raising fears of a spring deficit.
In 2012, Russia's winter grain crop only reached 29.2 million tons compared with 39.5 million tons the year before, a spokesman for the ministry told Reuters.
(Reuters)
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.