Russia Grapples with Extreme Weather Impact on Grain Harvest

Russia, the world's leading wheat exporter, is revising its official grain harvest forecast due to extreme weather affecting major grain-producing regions. The country anticipates a significant decrease in grain production compared to previous years. Regional breakdowns show varied impacts, from spring frosts to summer droughts.

Russia, the world's top wheat exporter, is set to finalize its grain harvest forecast for the year in the coming days. Extreme weather has wreaked havoc on many of Russia's key grain-producing regions, forcing a downgrade in expectations.

Currently, Russia is holding to its official forecast of 132 million tons of grain, an 11% drop from last year's 148 million tons, and a 16% drop from the record of 158 million tons in 2022. This revision highlights the significant impact of adverse weather conditions, including early spring frosts, heatwaves, and droughts.

Major grain regions like Rostov, Krasnodar, Stavropol, and others have reported varying degrees of crop damage. For instance, Rostov, Russia's leading grain-producing region last year, reduced its forecast to 11.5 million tons for 2024 due to early spring frosts and heatwaves. This pattern is echoed across regions, each battling its own unique weather challenges.

(With inputs from agencies.)