Russia's plans to increase grain-sown areas by 3.5 million hectares in the next two years will allow the country to export 25-39 million tonnes of grain annually, Agriculture Minister Alexei Gordeyev said when opening the first wheat futures trading in Russia on Wednesday according to Itar-Tass.
According to the ministry's forecasts, Russia will harvest at least 85 million tonnes of grain in 2008, which is three million tonnes more than in 2007.
"The projected gross grain harvest will allow us to retain our export capabilities at around 15 million tonnes, which, in turn, will fully meet domestic demand for food and fodder grain," Gordeyev said.
The minister also said, "Grain production in Russia will be brought to 100 million tonnes in the next five years as part of the state programme for the development of agriculture."
Gordeyev stressed that Russia should become one of the world's top three grain exporters in the next five years.
He said grain exports should make Russia just as important as gas, oil and wood exporters are.
"We have set ourselves the task of meeting domestic grain needs, balance out grain production and consumption, and gain leading positions in terms of grain exports to other countries," the minister said earlier.
In the medium term (five years), Russia plans to increase grain production by at least 30 million tonnes than now by using fallow lands.
Under the state programme of agricultural development, grain production in Russia should increase to100 million tonnes.
In 2007, Russia harvested the biggest grain crop of about 82 million tonnes over the past five years.
Earlier, Gordeyev said Russia could be able to export about 15 million tonnes of grain in the current agricultural year from July 1, 2007 to July 1, 2008.
"Now the role of the agro-industrial sector is growing in the world and due to the food supply problems, Russia can position itself in a new way as a country with a big agricultural and bio-climatic potential," the minister said.
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