Russia's grain harvest may fall 20-26 percent to 72-78 million tons in 2010

Russia's grain harvest may fall 20-26 percent to 72-78 million tons in 2010 as Russia suffers its worst drought in decades, Russian Grain Union President Arkady Zlochevsky said on Monday.




Russia's 2009 harvest totaled 97 million tons.



The Russian Grain Union predicts three possible scenarios for development of the grain market.



In the worst case, Russia will harvest only 72 million tons and export 11 million tons, while reserve stocks will amount to 10.4-14.4 million tons.