Russia begins sowing winter crops as normal - agriculture minister

MOSCOW. Sept 9 (Interfax) - Russia has begun sowing winter crops as normal, Agriculture Minister Oksana Lut said.

"I assess the start of winter sowing as normal," Lut told reporters in response to a question on the matter.

As previously reported, the government is currently considering providing per-hectare financial support to farmers to offset the costs of winter sowing partially. The Agriculture Ministry expects the sown area to remain at last year's level at approximately 20 million hectares.

Lut has declined to forecast a start date for state grain purchases, noting that this matter falls within the government's purview.

As Lut previously reported, in early September, 44 regions were conducting winter sowing for next year's harvest, with 2.3 million hectares already planted.

"In principle, we are ahead of last year's pace. By this date last year, the figure was 2.1 million hectares," Lut noted.

"Given that winter crops yield the largest volume of grain, it is essential that we maintain the winter crop acreage. Last year, we planted winter grains and rapeseed on approximately 20 million hectares or slightly less. I urge all regions involved in winter crop production that we cannot afford to lose this acreage. It is a key planting season and a crucial task for ensuring domestic food security regarding grain. Furthermore, we have partners who also rely on us for grain supplies," Lut emphasized.