Russia's grain harvest in 2010 may total just 60 million metric tons, or 38% less than last year, Prime Minister Vladimir Putin said at a government presidium meeting.
"According to the latest Agriculture Ministry forecasts, the harvest will be much more modest than we assumed at the beginning of the year. It could total 65 or even 60 million tons," Putin said, adding that Russia's domestic grain requirements for 2010 amounted to 78 million tons.
A total of 97.1 million tons of grain was harvested in 2009.
The Russian government announced a ban on the export of grain and grain products on Thursday due to the worsening drought.
"We cannot yet expect a quick lifting of the export ban," Putin said.
The ban will last from August 15 to December 31, though First Deputy Prime Minister Igor Shuvalov said the dates may be changed after the harvest is calculated in October.
The Russian premier said that despite the low grain harvest this year, Russia will be able to fully make up for its internal demand due to the intervention fund of 9.5 million tons and last year's surplus of 21 million tons. RIA Novosti
