Russia's Winter Crops Face Dire Conditions Amid Precipitation Shortfall

Russia's weather forecast agency has reported unfavorable conditions for winter crops due to insufficient precipitation in key producing regions, particularly the Central, Southern, North-Caucasus, and parts of the Volga regions. Sowing rates for winter wheat have plummeted to an 11-year low, raising concerns about the 2025 grain harvest despite the government’s optimistic forecast of 132 million metric tons for the current year.

Russia's weather forecast agency reported on Wednesday that winter crop conditions in key producing regions were 'worse than usual' this October due to a lack of precipitation.

The agency identified the Central, Southern, North-Caucasus, and parts of the Volga regions as severely affected. 'A precipitation deficit will persist, and the conditions for the emergence and growth of winter crops in most areas will be worse than usual,' the agency noted.

According to Sovecon consultancy, winter wheat sowing rates in Russia have reached an 11-year low due to drought in key regions, casting doubt on the 2025 grain harvest. Despite extreme weather, Russia maintains its official grain harvest forecast of 132 million metric tons for this year, reaffirming its status as the world's largest wheat exporter.

(With inputs from agencies.)