Russia harvests 120 mln tonnes of grain, including almost 85 mln tonnes of wheat so far - AgMin

MOSCOW. Oct 8 (Interfax) - Russia has so far harvested 120 million tonnes of grain, including almost 85 million tonnes of wheat, the Russian Agriculture Ministry said following a meeting between Agriculture Minister Oksana Luth and senators on Tuesday.

Grain has been harvested from more than 90% of the sown area, she said. The quality of the new harvest's grain is higher than last year's.

Luth said that this year farmers have encountered "unprecedentedly difficult weather conditions, which led to a fall in yields and the rate of harvesting work." Nevertheless, this year's harvest will fully provide for the domestic market and help maintain a high export potential in raw materials and processed products, she said.

In addition, 78 million tonnes of Russian food products have been supplied to the global market since the start of the year, which is 7% higher than last year, she said. Preferential lending is still the most sought-after support measure.

Almost 421 billion rubles have been provided for the state program for agro-industrial development this year, 88% of which have been used.

A new national project, Technological Support for Food Security, has been developed to fulfil the tasks set by the Russian president for 2030. It aims to develop breeding and genetics, biotechnologies, the production of veterinary medicines, and agricultural machinery and equipment, as well as provide the industry with professional personnel.