Russia's Wheat Production Declines as Farmers Shift to Alternative Crops

RURussian Federation|

In a significant agricultural shift, Russian farmers are abandoning wheat cultivation in favor of more profitable crops such as peas, lentils, and sunflowers, following a year marked by severe weather and devastating losses. Recent reports indicate that wheat production in Russia plummeted to 83 million tons in 2024, down from 92.8 million tons in 2023 and a record 104.2 million tons in 2022.

The decline in wheat production is attributed to extreme weather conditions, including frost, drought, and excessive rains during the harvesting season, which severely impacted crop yields. As prices for wheat continue to fall globally, many farmers are reevaluating the viability of grain crops. Dmitry Garnov, CEO of Rostagro Group, noted that his company has cut wheat sowing by 30% due to dwindling profit margins.

This trend highlights a broader issue of climate-related crop losses that could set a precedent in global agriculture. Particularly alarming is the potential impact on the prices of essential wheat-based products like flour and bread, which may fluctuate if these trends continue. Farmers are now looking for ways to transition to crops that promise better profitability and resilience against unfavorable weather conditions.

In response to these challenges, scientists are exploring innovative agricultural practices aimed at improving crop resistance to extreme weather, indicating a continued effort to safeguard food production in an era of increasing climate volatility.

Weekly Newsletter

Loading...

More from Russian Federation

Russia Bans Amnesty International, Intensifying Crackdown on Dissent

Russia has officially designated Amnesty International as an "undesirable organization," making any involvement with the group a criminal offense. This decision, announced by the Russian Prosecutor General’s office on May 19, 2025, places Amnesty among 223 entities deemed undesirable under a 2015 law. The move marks a continuation of the Kremlin's sweeping repression of critics, activists, and journalists that has escalated following the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The Prosecutor General's statement accused Amnesty of conducting "Russophobic projects" that threaten Russia's political and economic interests. In its long history since 1961, Amnesty has documented human rights violations worldwide, including allegations of crimes committed by Moscow during the Ukraine conflict. The organization has also condemned the Russian government's crackdown on dissent, which has led to widespread arrests. Following this designation, individuals or groups cooperating with Amnesty in Russia are at risk of prosecution. Amnesty International has yet to respond to this recent ban.
RURussian Federation

Russian Intelligence Allegedly Targeted Elon Musk with Exploitative Tactics

A former FBI agent has claimed that Russia's top military intelligence agency, the GRU, actively sought to exploit the vulnerabilities of billionaire Elon Musk, employing tactics involving sex and drugs. Jonathan Buma, who served 16 years as a counterintelligence officer, stated that such operations were approved by President Vladimir Putin himself, according to a report aired by German broadcaster ZDF on May 18, 2025. Buma detailed that the GRU anticipated Musk's susceptibility to women and drug use, viewing it as an opportunity for potential blackmail. He alleged that Russian agents utilized Musk's known interests in desert raves and adult entertainment as direct access points. Buma further indicated that Musk had likely engaged in discussions with Putin, an assertion corroborated by a Wall Street Journal report detailing secret conversations between the two since at least 2022. The GRU is noted for its aggressive espionage operations globally, often employing unconventional means to achieve its objectives. Buma, who is currently on bail after being charged with leaking confidential information, asserted there is substantial evidence supporting his claims.
RURussian Federation

Russia and China Join Forces to Establish Lunar Nuclear Power Station

Russia's space agency Roscosmos and the China National Space Administration have signed a memorandum to construct an automated nuclear power station on the Moon, targeting completion by 2035. The announcement, made on May 8, 2025, indicates that the power station will be part of the broader International Lunar Research Station (ILRS), which aims to facilitate extensive space research and technological advancements for prolonged uncrewed operations. Located within 100 kilometers of the lunar south pole, the ILRS will support both autonomous missions and short-term human presence on the Moon. The initiative, first proposed in 2017, has garnered participation from nations including Venezuela, Belarus, and Pakistan, among others. Yuri Borisov, head of Roscosmos, highlighted ongoing developments such as a nuclear-powered cargo spaceship designed for diverse applications, including transporting goods in space and debris collection. This partnership comes amid NASA's recent budget proposals, which threaten the future of its own lunar missions, including the Gateway project slated for launch in 2027.
RURussian Federation
All Russian Federation News ->