Russia to plan to harvest 85 mln tonnes of grains in 2011

Despite the anomaly weather conditions and due to the opportune Governmental support measures, in 2010 the general grain productions in Russia totals 60.3 mln tonnes in clean weight, down 35% compared to the level of 2009, but it is the sufficient volume for the domestic demands satisfaction, stated Elena Skrynnik, the Minister of Agriculture of the Russian Federation, on December 23.

According to the Ministry forecasts, as of July 1, 2011, grain stocks are expected at the level of 14 mln tonnes.

The country harvested the record volumes of rice and soybean – over 1.1 mln tonnes and 1.2 mln tonnes, respectively.

Taking into account winter crops sowing areas decrease by 16% (the general sowing areas totaled 15.5 mln ha) compared to the last year level, in 2011 Russian agricultural commodities producers will have to increase spring crops sowing areas till 30 mln ha. Grain production in 2011 is planned to reach the level of 85 mln tonnes.

Ukraine to experience massive sale of farmlands

The farmland sale moratorium may be lifted in Ukraine as soon as early next year, said Presidential Administration Head Sergey Lyovochkin. President Viktor Yanukovych has repeatedly said that this needs to be done within the near future. This implies new investments, new practices. Besides, land is a renewable resource. Experts welcome the news about possible lifting of the farmland sale moratorium. They say, it’s a common practice worldwide, i.e. Ukraine should not be an exception. To lift the moratorium on farmland sales, a law on state land cadastre needs to be passed. Naturally, we predict that following this step Ukraine will experience a redistribution of land ownership.