Experts report that the low profit margins of wheat cultivation are leading Russian farmers to increasingly sow sunflowers instead.
2026 could be the first year in the country’s history when the total area under sunflower cultivation exceeds the area under wheat, according to experts.
This is expected to occur if the area under sunflower cultivation exceeds 11 million hectares. Overall, the area under oilseed crops this season could exceed 22 million hectares, a very impressive figure.
The main reason for this substitution is economic. By sowing a field with sunflowers, farmers can reap higher profits than if they had grown wheat.
Analysts note that sunflowers are not only more expensive but also in high demand from processing plants, particularly those producing oilseeds.
The number of these plants and their overall production capacity are reportedly growing annually. In this regard, experts note that no matter how large the sunflower harvest in Russia is this year, processing plants must still cope.
Furthermore, sunflower is one of the most drought-resistant crops.
If the weather proves unfavorable for crops, the likelihood of a successful harvest is much higher than with wheat, as the risk of complete drought damage is significantly lower.
Sunflower harvest in the country is projected to reach 19 million tons in 2026.
As for soybeans, farmers could harvest up to 9 million tons.
The total rapeseed harvest could reach 6 million tons.
At the same time, approximately 29 million hectares of wheat will likely be allocated to Russia in 2026, and the total harvested volume of this crop could reach 93 million tons.
Overall, experts point out that it is becoming increasingly unprofitable for farmers to produce wheat, especially spring wheat.
Wheat prices are relatively low, and have recently been declining further. This is due to a high harvest, both domestically and in other producing countries.
At the same time, the situation with oilseeds is much better in this regard.
Therefore, many companies are switching to oilseeds. However, it’s worth noting that for many, this is still a new and underdeveloped crop, so it will take some time to make the transition.
