Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Government of the Russian Federation – Government of the Russian Federation –
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Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Patrushev chaired a nationwide meeting dedicated to the crop production sector's performance last year, its development prospects through 2030, and preparations for the upcoming sowing campaign. The meeting was attended by senior officials from the Ministry of Agriculture, Roshydromet, Rosselkhoznadzor, Rosagroleasing, representatives of the Federal Assembly, and regional leaders.
The Deputy Prime Minister noted that last year, crop production increased by 9%, which was a major contributor to the positive production dynamics of the entire agricultural sector. Taking into account harvests in new regions, the third-largest grain harvest ever recorded was approximately 142 million tons, over 93 million tons of which was wheat. Furthermore, last year's harvest saw new record highs for legumes, soybeans, and rapeseed. Vegetable and potato harvests will fully meet the needs of the domestic market.
"To ensure proper preparation for seasonal fieldwork, the Ministry of Agriculture and the regions have approved the 2026 cropping area structure. The total area is expected to reach 83 million hectares, exceeding the 2025 figure. Approximately 20 million hectares of winter crops have already been sown for this year's harvest. Experts estimate that 97% of the crops are currently in good condition. These are very good results. For reference, the same period last year saw 87%. Meanwhile, the area sown to spring crops this year is expected to reach 56 million hectares. To ensure uninterrupted sowing, the Ministry of Agriculture and the regions must constantly monitor the availability of material and technical resources for all our farmers," said Dmitry Patrushev.
Furthermore, the Deputy Prime Minister tasked the state of winter crops with monitoring and prompt action if the situation worsens. Also, given the structure of crop acreage, it is necessary to monitor the availability and quality of seeds, equipment readiness, and the availability of chemicals. The Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Energy of Russia were also instructed to develop a fuel supply plan with suppliers in advance.
Overall, the meeting noted that preparations for spring fieldwork are proceeding as planned. Some regions, including Stavropol, Altai, and Primorsky Krais, have planned a significant increase in planted acreage this year.
The heads of several regions have provided information on their readiness for the season. In the coming weeks, if the weather is favorable, farmers in southern Russia and the North Caucasus may begin fertilizing winter crops.
To monitor the processes, the Ministry of Agriculture will hold a series of on-site meetings in federal districts.
The Deputy Prime Minister reiterated the goal of increasing agricultural production and exports by 2030. To achieve these goals and maintain the financial stability of farmers, the Russian Government continues to provide extensive support to the industry. Total funding for 2026 is planned at over 542 billion rubles. Of this, over 90 billion rubles have been allocated for direct subsidies to farmers, and 26.5 billion rubles are earmarked for new short-term preferential loans. Most of this amount is used to support seasonal fieldwork. 5.5 billion rubles have been allocated for the development of agricultural insurance.
Dmitry Patrushev stated that achieving the new goals requires improving the technological advancement of the agricultural industry and reducing production costs. To this end, five strategic areas for the further development of crop production have been identified: maintaining and improving soil fertility, breeding and seed production, the use of agrochemicals, the use of unmanned vehicles, and adapting crop production to climate change.
The Deputy Prime Minister emphasized that, in the face of fierce market competition, it is crucial to find ways to reduce production costs at every stage. Promising developments that demonstrate the potential for cost reduction should be widely implemented in the industry. The Russian Ministry of Agriculture has been instructed to replicate positive examples and facilitate the exchange of experience.
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