Siberian Crops Devastated: State of Emergency Declared in Tomsk

Russia has declared a state of emergency in Tomsk due to severe weather damaging crops across 3,000 hectares. This allows farmers to claim compensation. Similar regional emergencies have been declared throughout the year. Officials now foresee a possible decrease in the wheat harvest forecast as the season proceeds.

Russia has declared a state of emergency for the agricultural sector in the Tomsk region of Siberia after adverse weather conditions devastated crops, according to the regional governor on Friday.

Governor Vladimir Mazur reported that damp, cold weather led to significant waterlogging, destroying crops over nearly 3,000 hectares. Declaring the emergency state will enable farmers to seek compensation. Earlier this year, Russia declared similar emergencies in various regions due to May frosts.

Mazur instructed local officials to evaluate the damage's extent and expedite the harvesting campaign. He emphasized that harvesting should continue nonstop once favorable weather conditions return.

Agriculture Minister Oksana Lut acknowledged on Aug. 20 that Russia might harvest less wheat than initially forecast, indicating the first official recognition of the year's weather impact. While maintaining an overall grain harvest forecast of 132 million metric tons, including 86 million tons of wheat, Lut suggested the wheat forecast might need revision as the harvest progresses.

Agricultural consultancy Sovecon revised its 2024 wheat crop forecast for Russia to 82.5 million metric tons, down from 83.3 million, as stated on Aug. 30.

(With inputs from agencies.)