Russia Faces Agricultural Crisis Due to Prolonged Drought

Russia is currently grappling with a significant agricultural crisis, particularly in the Krasnodar Krai region, where prolonged drought conditions have inflicted damage valued at around 1.5 billion rubles, equivalent to £14.2 million. This figure includes 600 million rubles, roughly £5.6 million, related to crops that were insured. According to Fyodor Dereka, the head of the regional Ministry of Agriculture, the impact extends beyond crop production and affects livestock farmers as well, given the essential need for feed during this challenging time. With around 175,000 farm animals in the northern zones, it is crucial for these farms to secure adequate feed supplies. Fortunately, despite the unfavorable conditions, most farms are still planning to successfully prepare the necessary feed. However, a decline in the procurement of hay and silage is anticipated, and many landowners facing feed shortages have negotiated with other farms to supplement their supplies.

Currently, the region is in the process of harvesting cereal and leguminous crops, with reports indicating that approximately 1.7 million hectares have been threshed. On July 18, due to the dire circumstances, a regional emergency regime was implemented across nine districts in Kuban. These districts are significant for grain production, covering over one million hectares. Experts predict that the grain and leguminous crop harvest for the year may decline to levels observed in 2024 as a result of moisture scarcity. For the upcoming 2025 harvest, there are plans for 1.8 million hectares of winter crops, maintaining the same area as the previous year. Similarly, spring crops are projected to encompass 1.8 million hectares, which mirrors the levels of 2024.

In the previous harvest year of 2024, the Krasnodar region managed to gather 13.8 million tons of grain and leguminous crops, including rice—a 3.5% decrease compared to the year before. Notably, the wheat harvest saw an increase of 6.3%, totaling 10.2 million tonnes. In response to dwindling international wheat sales, which have dropped to the lowest levels since 2008, the Russian government has initiated measures to enhance agriculture exports. Furthermore, reports suggest that the arrival of the new crop at Black Sea terminals has been sluggish. This situation unfolds against the backdrop of a Russian economy reportedly on the brink of recession, with the Kremlin allegedly attempting to downplay the effects of international sanctions.