Putin praises farmers for Russia's strong grain harvest
MOSCOW- President Vladimir Putin praised farmers Tuesday for making Russia's grain harvest this year the highest in post-Soviet times.
Agriculture Minister Alexander Tkachev reported to Putin on Tuesday that this year's output is expected to reach 110-115 million metric tons, the largest yield in a quarter century.
Tkachev didn't specify what the wheat harvest would be, but experts forecast production of about 72 million tons, of which 30 million tons could be exported.
Putin emphasized that Russia shouldn't rush to boost its grain exports but wait for global prices to rise.
