Russia is threatened by a decline in grain quality

The current season promises to be one of the most difficult in the last decade for Russian agriculture. According to analysts, the decline in the quality of grain, in particular wheat, is becoming a noticeable problem due to the reduction in the application of fertilizers and agrochemicals caused by economic difficulties. Farmers, especially small farms, are forced to save on plant protection products and nutrients due to their increasing cost, which is already affecting yields and can lead to long-term depletion of soils.

The worsening situation is also associated with climate challenges. Last fall, the sowing campaign of winter wheat, the main export crop, took place in drought conditions, when many farmers sowed in dry soil due to lack of rain. The winter of 2024/25 turned out to be abnormally snowless, which led to a deficit of soil moisture necessary for the normal development of crops. As noted by the Minister of Agriculture Oksana Lut, 87% of winter wheat is in good or satisfactory condition, but farmers express concern about the lack of water for vegetation.

The sown area in 2025 will increase to 83.7 million hectares, of which 55.8 million will be for spring crops, and the rest for winter and other crops. Independent expert Oleksandr Korbut emphasized that in some regions, in particular in the south, due to weather vagaries, significant areas will have to be re-sown, which increases farmers’ costs. At the same time, the availability of seeds, equipment and fuel remains at 100%, but financial difficulties may complicate access to these resources for many farms.

An additional blow to the industry was the increase in prices for equipment and spare parts, as well as high credit rates. According to farmer Sergei Shapovalov from Rostov region, a combine harvester that cost 9.6 million rubles six years ago is now valued at 19 million, making updating the fleet of equipment unaffordable for small and medium-sized farms. Experts warn that if the trend towards reduced fertilizer use continues for two or three seasons, Russia will face a drop in gross grain harvest and a deterioration in its quality, which will affect export potential.

Tags: Russia, grain quality