APK-Inform cut its forecast of Russian sunflower seed crop by 9% to 15.2 mln tonnes, down 13% compared to 2020.
The reduction of the forecast was based on the deterioration of crop condition in the key producing regions amid a prolonged drought, particularly in Volga FD (44% in the general structure of sunflower seed area). Additionally, the lower yield of the oilseed compared to the start of the harvesting campaign resulted in the downward revision of the production expectations. According to official estimation, sunflower seed yield is 1.63 t/ha that is the lowest in 5 years.
The weather conditions are favorable for the fast progress of the harvesting campaign. The gap in the harvesting progress compared to the preceding year narrowed in the last two weeks (-9% as of September 13; -56% as of late August). Current harvesting progress is the slowest in 3 years due to the late planting campaign and consequently the late start of the harvesting.
