Long rains create problems: emergency situation has been introduced in the Omsk region due to the loss of crops, but there will be enough seeds for farmers.

The Omsk region has been hit by prolonged rains, which have complicated the harvesting campaign and led to the introduction of a state of emergency. This information was provided by Maxim Chekusov, the director of the Omsk Agrarian Scientific Center, as reported by TASS. Despite these unfavorable conditions, Omsk farmers will be fully supplied with seed material.

A state of emergency was declared in the Omsk region on August 29 due to heavy rains. The full extent of the damage has not yet been calculated, but excessive moisture has already led to the loss of about 200 thousand hectares of crops. Harvesting is lagging behind by 15-20% compared to 2023 figures. In the Novosibirsk region, where a state of emergency has also been introduced, there is a threat of a seed shortage for the 2025 sowing campaign.

"Seed problems may arise, as we have recently experienced prolonged rains that lasted about two weeks. The ripe harvest began to sprout in the ground. These seeds lose their germination. But the Omsk region will have enough seeds of main crops," Chekusov said.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Processing Industry of the Omsk region reported that regional research institutions and seed-producing organizations annually produce over 40 thousand tons of high-quality seeds. Of these, about 25.3 thousand tons are used by Omsk farmers, and the rest are supplied throughout Russia, the Republic of Kazakhstan, and other countries.

The Omsk region is one of the leading agricultural regions of Siberia. Here, around 3 million tons of cereals and leguminous crops are harvested annually. In 2023, due to an abnormally dry summer, the harvest decreased to 2.5 million tons. However, in 2024, farmers are expecting to harvest around 3.5 million tons of grain.