Luhansk's Wheat Harvest: A Contested Bounty Amidst Conflict

Luhansk, a Ukrainian region claimed by Russia, plans to double its wheat harvest, enhancing Russia’s agricultural strategy. Despite international disputes over ownership, the region's grains play a crucial role in Russian agriculture, with significant financial backing from Moscow and benefits like export tax exemptions.

Luhansk, one of the four Ukrainian regions claimed by Russia since the 2022 conflict outbreak, anticipates doubling its wheat yield this year, according to local officials. This increase signifies the region's growing importance in Russia's agricultural strategy, aligning with its status as the world's foremost wheat exporter.

Last year, Luhansk, alongside Donetsk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia—territories Russia terms its "new territories" despite international acknowledgement of their Ukrainian status—contributed about 3% to Russia's grain output. Without their input, Russia's national harvest, already reduced by 14% due to adverse weather in the south, could have been worse.

Moscow has pumped 8 billion roubles annually to aid farmers in these new regions, lifting export taxes and making the grain more appealing on the global market. Despite the political and ethical complexities, the local grain production continues to be pivotal to Russia's broader agricultural goals.

(With inputs from agencies.)