In Central Russia, oilseed crops overtook wheat in terms of sown area for the first time

The Russian agro-industrial complex is facing serious challenges, leading to a reduction in wheat acreage and a record increase in oilseed crops. According to forecasts by the IKAR, in the 2025/26 season, oilseed crops in Russia will reach a historic high of 20.5 million hectares, which is 7% more than 19 million hectares in 2024. In the Central Federal District, oilseed crops may exceed 4.5 million hectares, for the first time in history overtaking the areas under winter and spring wheat, said Dmitry Rylko, Director General of IKAR.

The main reason for the reduction in wheat acreage is its low profitability. According to experts, current wheat prices are close to cost. Growing costs have increased by 20% due to higher fuel, fertilizer and seed prices, making wheat uneconomical. At the same time, oilseeds such as sunflower, rapeseed and soybeans promise higher margins, which is encouraging farmers to switch to them. Thus, in 2025, spring wheat sowings may decrease to 11.8 million hectares, which is the lowest figure in the last ten years.

The record growth in sowings of oilseeds, in particular sunflower (10-11 million hectares), soybeans (4.5-4.6 million hectares) and rapeseed (3 million hectares), is explained by their higher profitability against the background of favorable market conditions. However, the transition to these crops is associated with challenges: monoculture sunflower cultivation depletes soils, requiring crop rotation every 6–7 years, as well as significant investments in seeds, machinery and warehouses.

This trend could affect Russia’s position in the global grain market, where it has traditionally been one of the leading wheat exporters. The reduction in sown areas and potential yield reductions, together with sanctions limiting access to quality seeds, are putting additional pressure on the agricultural sector.

Tags: wheat, sunseed, rapeseed, Russia, soybean, oilseeds