Rostov Region is preparing for reseeding after losses from May frosts - renewal of 150,000 hectares is planned.

In the Rostov region, preparations are underway to implement a plan to replant crops on an area of ​​150 thousand hectares. According to information received from the regional government, more than 211 thousand hectares of crops perished after frosts in May (actual data is still being updated).

Of the total number of affected crops, more than 180 thousand hectares are accounted for by winter wheat – the main agricultural crop of the region. The total insured area for cereals is 36.4 thousand hectares, or 20.4 percent. Insurance companies have already begun preparing for compensation payments, and currently, the calculation of the amounts of compensation is being carried out.

At the same time, agricultural enterprises and farmers have started rethinking their areas. In case of favorable weather conditions, they plan to replant 150 thousand hectares with spring crops (including 125 thousand hectares of sunflower, 10 thousand of sorghum, and 15 thousand of millet), as reported by the government of the Rostov region.

The Rostov region, like southern regions of Russia in general, suffered much smaller losses from frosts compared to central regions. However, the situation remains complex. Firstly, many farmers are not ready for rethinking, as the soil is currently overdried and there are strong winds. In such conditions, it is not easy to hope for a good harvest. Physically, it is also difficult to carry out work before harvesting early cereals. Many farmers no longer have the means for additional field work.

"Peas completely perished from the frosts. Now new shoots have started to grow, and we hope for a small miracle. But, probably, we will not be able to gather a good harvest," confessed Don farmer Roman Shut. "Sunflower also suffered from the frosts, but now, it seems to be recovering. About 10 percent of the harvest was affected. Corn suffered to a greater extent, and wheat, despite the appearance of leaves, is not forming grain heads."

"The perished crops are not all. It should be understood that even surviving crops will yield much worse results than expected earlier. Grain harvesting in the Don region will be significantly worse than in previous years," noted Inara Khalmeva, editor of the National Agricultural Agency. "The good news is that even in such unfortunate circumstances, there will be enough grain for domestic needs and exports. Taking into account the presence of large carryover stocks from last year, it can be confidently stated that there is no grain shortage expected. However, there are several factors to consider, such as the global situation, export duties, and others. So it is difficult to predict the dynamics of grain prices. However, they are likely to rise slightly."