Russia could achieve record 16.6 mln-tonne sunflower harvest this year - experts

Moscow. Aug 25 (Interfax) - The sunflower harvest in Russia this year could set a record and reach 16.596 million tonnes versus 16.357 million tonnes last year, a presentation from the ProZerno company posted on the Selsky Chas Telegram channel said.

This growth will ensure higher yields than last year. At the same time, the sown area decreased to 9.818 million hectares from 10.121 million hectares last year.

Experts estimate the harvest of soybeans at 6.009 million tonnes against 5.988 million tonnes in 2022. The harvest area this year increased to 3.626 million hectares from 3.507 million hectares a year ago. However, yield is lower than last year.

The rapeseed harvest is expected to be less than last year's, at 4.007 million hectares versus 4.515 million hectares. Both the reduction in sown areas to 2.109 million hectares from 2.341 million hectares last year and subsequently lower yields have had an effect.

A decrease in the harvest of oilseed flax to 1.163 million tonnes from 1.734 million tonnes in 2022 is also predicted. The planted area in 2023 decreased to 1.41 million hectares from 2.1 million hectares in 2022, and yield is in line with last year.