Russia's 2024 grain harvest could decline to 132 mln tonnes - AgMin

MOSCOW. April 16 (Interfax) - The Russian grain harvest in 2024 may decrease to 132 million tonnes from 144.9 million tonnes in 2023, the Agriculture Ministry is forecasting in its draft National Report on the progress of the state program of agricultural development in 2023. Interfax has seen the document.

Production of oilseeds is expected at 28 million tonnes compared with 29.9 million tonnes in 2023, sugar beet production - at 47 million tonnes compared with 53.1 million tonnes respectively.

The decrease in crop production in comparable prices in 2024 compared to 2023 is tentatively estimated at 6.5%, and is projected to grow by 7.5% relative to 2020.

The department estimates output growth in livestock farming this year at 2.2%, compared to 2020 - at 5.5%.

In particular, the production of livestock and poultry for slaughter (live weight) at farms of all categories is estimated at 16.9 million tonnes, which is 2.3% more than in 2023. This includes a 3.9% increase in hog production to 6.3 million tonnes, a 2% rise in poultry production to 7.17 million tonnes and a 0.2% increase in cattle output to 2.85 million tonnes.

Milk production at farms of all categories is forecast at 34.1 million tonnes, 0.9% more than in 2023, while eggs production stood at 47.2 billion units (1.2% more).

In general, according to the Agriculture Ministry, agricultural production in 2024 relative to 2023 will decrease by 2.9% and will rise 7% compared to 2020. The high base of 2023 is one of the reasons for the decline in production compared to last year.

The Agriculture Ministry prepares national reports on the implementation of the state program annually. The document is approved by the government.