Russia harvests over 131 mln tonnes of grain, 27 mln tonnes of oilseeds to date - Dep PM Patrushev

MOSCOW. Oct 20 (Interfax) - Russia has harvested over 131 million tonnes of grain and 27 million tonnes of oilseeds to date, Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Patrushev said at a meeting on the grain market.

The government has also come up with a set of special measures to ensure smooth winter sowing and keep farmers financially stable, Patrushev's press office quoted him as saying.

"Three-quarters of the planned area has been sown with winter crops and, amid the restructuring of export logistics, a set of special measures has been drafted to ensure winter sowing goes smoothly and farmers remain financially stable," he said.

Patrushev recalled that around 10 billion rubles were previously allocated to subsidize the transportation of products by rail. Decisions have also been made in the sphere of customs and tariff regulation. An additional set of mechanisms to help farmers has now been worked out.

"The government has established a number of new support instruments. First, the allocation of another tranche to subsidize the transportation of products by rail is being prepared. Second, the extension of short-term preferential loans as well as payments under preferential leasing agreements is envisaged. Third, additional subsidies will be allocated for new short-term loans for the purchase of grain from producers. At the same time, the Agriculture Ministry plans to significantly increase the limit per borrower," he said. "Purchases of grain into the state intervention fund will start already this month. Up to 3 million tonnes will be purchased, which will allow producers to sell their products at decent prices. Finally, direct subsidies will be provided to farmers in the form of so-called per-hectare support," he said.

These measures should help stabilize prices on the domestic market, including through increased exports, Patrushev said.

Following the meeting, Patrushev instructed that shipments be maintained in a regular fashion and that all logistical opportunities be used to the maximum.