Crimea Grain Harvest Sold Below Cost as Farmers Refuse to Plant Winter Crops
Farmers in Crimea are struggling to sell their grain harvest due to low purchase prices, logistical problems, and a lack of storage capacity. According to Denis Kratyuk, Russia's appointed 'Minister of Agriculture of Crimea,' the peninsula plans to harvest over two million metric tons of grain this year.
The problem lies in the demand, which is insufficient, and local grain elevators can only accommodate a portion of the harvest. Wholesale buyers are offering prices for grain that are below cost, forcing farmers to store their harvest, resulting in additional expenses.
Oleg Zubkov, owner of one of the large agricultural enterprises in the Belogorsk District, stated that the cost of producing one kilogram of wheat this year is 12-15 rubles, while it is sometimes possible to sell it for only 10 rubles. He considers a price of about 20 rubles to be fair.
The situation is further complicated by a fuel shortage, logistical problems, and regular power outages, which bring grain elevators to a standstill. The occupation-era 'Ministry of Agriculture' acknowledges the problem and promises support to farmers, specifically, funding for logistics, loan extensions, and adjustments to lease payments.
Some farmers are already refusing to plant winter crops because they see no economic rationale for continuing production, according to one Crimean farmer.