UPDATE: Russia raises grain exports forecast to 34–35 mln tns this ag yr

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ST. PETERSBURG, Jun 17 (PRIME) – The Russian government has increased grain exports forecast for the current agricultural year to 34–35 million tonnes from 33 million tonnes, Agriculture Minister Alexander Tkachyov said on the sidelines of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum on Friday.

“The figure is already above 34–35 million tonnes of grain, including 20 million tonnes of wheat,” he said.

Tkachyov also said that Russia may be able to export about 48 million tonnes of grain per year by 2030 based on the country’s production capabilities.

“Taking into account our production capabilities and possible demand at the world market, Russia may export about 48 million tonnes of grain by 2013,” he said, adding that Russia is able to keep the leading position as the world’s largest wheat exporter given this year’s high harvest.

But Russia has to meet certain conditions in order to reach the high grain export figure. “We have to increase the sowing area and the crop yield to 27 centners per hectare by 2030 from the current 24 centners,” he said, adding that the country also has to improve logistics, transfer and storage of grain.

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