Russia will not need to import grain since this year's harvest is enough for the country's domestic needs, Russian Agriculture Minister Yelena Skrynnik said on Tuesday.
The Kremlin has said that despite this summer's drought and wildfires that have destroyed 10.8 million hectares of crops, Russia will not experience any grain shortages. With harvest forecasts down to 60 million tons, which is 38 percent less than last year, the Kremlin has banned grain exports until the yearend.
President Medvedev says the ban will be lifted when it is clear how much has been harvested, while Prime Minister Vladimir Putin has said it can only be lifted after next year's harvest has been gathered in.
Latest reports say 47 tons have already been harvested.
MOSCOW, September 7 (RIA Novosti)