Shortage of modern grain storage forces Russian farmers to use plastic silo bags

The use of plastic silo bags for grain storage is growing rapidly in Russia due to restrictions on Black Sea exports and a shortage of modern grain elevator capacity. According to estimates by agricultural consultancy IKAR, the volume of surplus grain that could not be exported may reach 20 mln tons this year. Meanwhile, around 10 mln tons of grain, or approximately 7% of the annual harvest, is already being stored in special plastic silo bags directly on farms.

The main reason for the buildup in stocks has been disruptions to traditional export routes through the Black Sea. Since early July 2026, Russian grain exports have fallen by approximately one-third compared with normal volumes amid attacks on port infrastructure and commercial vessels. Restrictions on maritime transportation have led to an increase in domestic grain inventories, which farmers are being forced to store until export channels resume stable operations.

Although Russia has grain storage facilities with a combined capacity of around 160 mln tons, much of the infrastructure remains outdated. According to experts, only 40% of storage capacity meets modern standards, while the remainder is mainly suitable for short-term grain storage and carries higher risks of losses. The uneven geographical distribution of grain elevators presents an additional challenge, as transporting crops to distant storage facilities is often economically unviable.

Against this backdrop, agricultural companies are increasingly adopting large, airtight plastic silo bags, which require significantly lower initial investment than constructing permanent grain elevators. Each bag can hold up to 200 tons of grain, while manufacturers claim that storage periods can reach 18 months under appropriate conditions. For example, agricultural company Aeon Agro has increased its use of plastic silo bags eightfold since 2023 to 180 thsd tons, representing more than half of its total production.

However, plastic silo bags also pose additional risks to grain quality. Damage caused by rodents and birds can compromise airtight conditions and result in losses, meaning these storage systems require constant monitoring. With high interest rates and limited opportunities to invest in permanent grain elevators, many farms consider this technology their main alternative. The use of plastic silo bags is also expected to spread to Russia’s southern grain-producing regions, where a significant share of the harvest was previously shipped quickly for export through Black Sea ports.

Tags: silo bags, grain bags, grain, grain storage