Russia to Regain Wheat Export Leadership

Russia may regain leadership in terms of wheat export in 2017-2018 agricultural year, Agriculture Minister Alexander Tkachev said in an interview aired by the Rossiya-24 TV news channel, Tass reported. “Obviously, there is every reason for Russia to be number one exporter, particularly in terms of wheat,” he said. According to Tkachev, Russia’s grain export may reach 40 million tons in 2017-2018 agricultural year. He said that this year’s wheat export may set a new record. Earlier the minister said the country’s grain export will amount to 38 million tons and grain harvest may reach 103-105 million tons in 2017. Meanwhile, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro said on Thursday that major supplies of Russian wheat to Venezuela will begin soon. “Russia will supply to Venezuela 60,000 tons of wheat per month on a stable basis starting from this year,” Maduro said.