Putin Emphasizes the Ability of the Russian Federation to Significantly Expand Grain and Fertilizer Exports

Moscow June 17 INTERFAX.RU — The Russian Federation is able to significantly expand its grain and fertilizer exports, Vladimir Putin said. Today, the Russian leader is participating in a session of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF).

«While ensuring its internal food security and saturating its domestic market, Russia is able to significantly expand its food and fertilizer exports. For example, our grain supplies to the global market can grow to 50 million tonnes next season,» Putin said.

«As a priority, we will supply the countries that need food most of all, where the number of starving people could increase, first of all, African countries and the Middle East», he said.

He stressed that Russia does not interfere with grain exports from Ukraine. «They are free to clear the mines and resume exports. We will ensure the safe navigation of civilian vessels. No problem,» — he added.

Putin noted that, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, there were 6 million tonnes of wheat (5 million tonnes according to Russian estimates) and 7 million tonnes of maize.

«Since the global production of wheat stands at 800 million tonnes, 5 million tonnes make little difference for the global market. Anyway, Ukrainian grain can be exported, and not only via Black Sea ports,» — the President said.

According to him, grain can be exported through Belarus, Poland and Romania.
Source: interfax.ru
Image source: photogenica.ru