Russia Becomes the 'Largest' Grain Exporter in the World

Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that the country has increased its grain production and is now the largest grain exporter in the world. According to the Russian news agency TASS, he mentioned that grain production is expected to reach 130.5 million tons this year. Mr. Putin noted that farmers need government support, and his government plans to consider subsidies for the rail transport of agricultural products. TASS reports that this volume of grain production in Russia has even broken the record set during the Soviet Union in 1978, when grain production was about 127 million tons. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) statistics also indicate an increase in Russia's grain production. The official website of this UN agency estimates that Russia's grain production this year is expected to break last year's record with an increase of 12 million tons. The report adds that the most significant growth is in wheat production, which is expected to exceed 84 million tons this year. Barley production is also expected to increase by 11% to reach 20 million tons. However, the UN agency states that corn production in Russia will decrease slightly to 14 million tons, but corn exports are expected to increase by 10% this year to 5.5 million tons. The FAO report indicates that Russia's grain exports will set a record this year. According to this report, Russia's grain exports are expected to increase by about 20% compared to 2016, reaching 43 million tons, of which over 72% will be wheat exports. Russia's grain exports this year show a 50% growth compared to 2012. Although Iran has increased its grain production in recent years, grains still top the list of the country's major imports. According to official customs reports, rice and corn have been the top imported goods in the first eight months of this year. However, wheat imports, which were consistently among the top imports during Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's presidency, have fallen off the list of Iran's top 10 imported goods. The FAO report also indicates that Iran's grain production is expected to reach 20 million tons this year, with 70% being wheat. The report shows that Iran's grain production has increased by more than 11.5% compared to 2013. Iran's grain imports have also decreased by nearly 14% during this period, reaching 11.34 million tons. The FAO expects Iran to produce 13.5 million tons of wheat, 3.1 million tons of barley, 2.6 million tons of rice, and nearly one million tons of other grains this year.