Russia: Grain harvest to total 85 million tonnes

Moscow / RU. (ami) In 2009, grain harvest in Russia will total 85 million tonnes, forecasted Elena Skrynnik, the Minister of Agriculture of the Russian Federation, on August 14. Previously, the Ministry of Agriculture forecasted the harvest volumes at the level of 85 to 90 million tonnes. According to the Minister, the harvest volumes will exceed the average annual indices during recent five years, but will become lower compared to the previous year volumes. Draughts caused the reduction of the index, explained Skrynnik. Last grain year, Russia exported 23 million tonnes of grains, and in the first half year of 2009 – nine million tonnes. At the same time, Skrynnik added that the forecast of grain export volumes exceeds all target values. In the current year, the country increased agricultural lands circulation by over ha, she added (source: agrimarket.info).