What Are Main Crops Grown in Russia?
Primary Russian crops include grains, barley and legumes. Nearly half of Russia’s crop exports derive from wheat and winter wheat, classified as grains. Products in Russia derive from different parts of the country; winter wheat derives from the southwestern portions of Russia, while barley grows in northern locales.
Grains, as a whole, remain an important part of the Russian economy. The types of grains produced, however, vary with changes in demand and environmental conditions. Some grains, such as oats, supported Russia economically in the past, but grow in much smaller quantities. While grains export in highest quantities from Russia, legumes follow close behind. Hardy and resilient legumes, including potatoes and beets, prove ideally suited for Russia’s cold climates and sub-par soils. Potatoes thrive at Russia’s northernmost locations, primarily regions between 50 and 60 degrees latitude. Russian potatoes provide citizens with food and nutrients, and support vodka production as well. Flax plants, also tolerant of cold and harsh climates, export from Russia for end use in textile industry. Flax plants also produce linseed oil, a key ingredient in vegetable oil. Russian crops supply humans with food and beverages, and support animal life too. Barley and corn produce animal feed. Fodder provides sustenance for Russia’s livestock, which includes cows, sheep, goats and pigs.
