The 2025 sowing campaign in Primorsky Krai, located in Russia’s Far East, is off to a fast and ambitious start. According to official data from the regional Ministry of Agriculture, over 13,000 hectares of corn, early grains, and rice have already been sown—three times more than during the same period in 2024.
This rapid start is part of a broader strategy to improve planting efficiency, optimize crop calendars, and increase output. As of the latest update, 45% of the target area for early grain crops has already been completed, indicating a promising pace that could positively influence yields and harvest timing later in the year.
Regional Leaders and Expansion Plans
The Mikhaylovsky District leads the region in corn sowing with 2,500 hectares, while Khorolsky and Pogranichny Districts are also recording above-average planting activity.
The total target for 2025 sowing in Primorsky Krai is set at 507,000 hectares, which includes major crops like soybeans, corn, rice, wheat, and barley. This expansion reflects both growing domestic demand for feed and food grains, and efforts to strengthen food security and regional self-sufficiency.
Why the Surge?
Several factors have contributed to this notable acceleration:
- Favorable weather conditions during the early spring period have allowed for earlier soil preparation and sowing.
- Government support measures, including access to fuel, seed subsidies, and agricultural machinery, have played a critical role.
- The region is increasingly recognizing the value of crop diversification to reduce risk and improve profitability.
In particular, corn and rice are gaining ground due to their market relevance and climate suitability in the southern parts of Primorsky Krai. Corn is essential for livestock feed and bioenergy, while rice remains a dietary staple in the region and a high-value cash crop.
Risk Mitigation and Climate Considerations
Given the volatile climate conditions that can affect the Russian Far East—including spring frosts, summer droughts, and excessive rainfall—officials are urging farmers to insure their crops. Crop insurance is becoming a key tool in agricultural risk management and is particularly important in areas expanding high-value crops like rice and corn.
Outlook for 2025
With sowing ahead of schedule and favorable conditions in place, expectations are high for a strong harvest season. If the pace continues and weather remains stable, the region may exceed its targets and further position itself as a key grain-producing hub in the Russian Far East.
The significant increase in early sowing of corn and rice in Primorsky Krai is a clear signal of modernization, strategic planning, and climate adaptation in the region’s agriculture. With strong regional leadership, technological support, and risk mitigation measures in place, the 2025 season could set new records and provide valuable lessons for other farming regions in Russia.
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