Russia has the opportunity to supply 62 million tons of grain to international markets this agricultural season (July 1, 2022 - June 30, 2023) while maintaining the current export rate, but it may not choose this potential. This assessment was made by the President of the Russian Grain Union (RGU) Arkady Zlochevsky.
“At the moment, we have already exported 46 million tons. This is a significant amount. While maintaining such rates, we are in principle capable of shipping 62 million tons to foreign markets during the season,” he said.
According to the expert, TASS reports, in order to achieve this export indicator, it is necessary to transport at least 6 million tons of grain per month. Zlochevsky also noted that there have already been several months this season when 7.2 million tons of grain were transported, and Russian infrastructure and resources allow handling such a large volume of grain exports.
As the Ministry of Agriculture reported earlier, the target for grain exports from Russia this season is about 60 million tons, which will allow us to form the necessary reserves and ensure the country's food security.
Zlochevsky recalled that earlier the Russian government had proposed an additional purchase of 7 million tons of wheat for the state intervention fund. Prior to that, 3 million tons of grain were purchased. However, according to him, such a procedure cannot be carried out in such a short time. In addition, in his opinion, the lack of accredited warehouses for storing grain in Russia may become a problem.
The head of the RGU also noted the lack of funds in the industry. Thus, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Victoria Abramchenko previously reported that the purchase of 7 million tons of grain would require 11 billion rubles. A more effective tool for regulating the industry could be the abolition of the export duty on grain, Zlochevsky believes.
Source: foodnewsweek.ru
