Russia will increase the area under sunflower at the expense of the occupied Luhansk region and Siberia

Sunflower acreage in Russia may increase to 10.9 million hectares in 2026, in particular due to the expansion of crops in the temporarily occupied Luhansk region. This was reported by the RUSEED analytical center.

According to analysts, the overall area under the crop will be slightly lower than last year’s figure (11.07 million hectares), but will still exceed the average level of previous years. Compared to the average value for the last three years, an increase of approximately 6% is forecast, while the figure may decrease by 2% compared to 2025.

Among the regions where the largest increase in sunflower area is expected are:

• Altai Krai — +66 thousand hectares,
• the temporarily occupied Luhansk Oblast (the so-called “LPR”) — +45 thousand hectares,
• Republic of Tatarstan — +20 thousand hectares,
• Kurgan Oblast — +12 thousand hectares,
• Ulyanovsk Oblast — +10 thousand hectares.

Analysts note that the main driver of the expansion of crops is the Urals and Siberia, while some of the traditional leaders in sunflower cultivation, in particular the Volga Region and the Southern Federal District, may reduce areas.

“2026 is not just an increase in areas, but a structural shift. Sunflower ceases to be a crop mainly of the south of Russia and gradually forms new growth centers in the Urals and Siberia,” the RUSEED analytical center noted.

Tags: Russia, sunseed