Russia to harvest 95 mln tonnes of grain in 2012 - ProZerno
BARNAUL. March 2 (Interfax) - Russia will harvest 94.5 million to 95 million tonnes of grain in 2012, according to preliminary forests, but the amount could go up, LLC ProZerno General Director Vladimir Petrichenko said at the Winter Grain Harvest in Belokurikha, Altai territory, on Friday.
"This is a moderate forecast. But we could increase the harvest. Severe drought is predicted in Siberia. If everything goes well in this region we will obtain more grain," Petrichenko said.
Russia will harvest 56.23 million tonnes of wheat (56.38 million in 2011) and 16.93 million tonnes of barley (17.02 million tonnes).
The Siberian Federal District is expected to see a 13% reduction in its harvest, according to preliminary forecasts, to 12.59 million tonnes. Volga Federal District may see the biggest increase in its harvest with an increase of 12.4% to 23.88 million tonnes.