Hailstorm destroys wheat crops in Russia’s key agricultural Stavropol region
A severe hailstorm struck Russia’s Stavropol region in early April, damaging grain crops in the country’s third-largest wheat-producing area. Authorities are assessing the impact, which could affect Russia’s 2025 wheat harvest as the world’s top exporter.
Image credit: Viktoria Maisi
A severe hailstorm impacted Russia’s Stavropol region in early April 2025 during a period of extreme weather, which included snowstorms and sub-zero temperatures across the country. The region, responsible for 8% of Russia’s wheat harvest in 2024, reported substantial crop damage on April 8.
Local authorities, led by Governor Vladimir Vladimirov, are assessing the extent of damage to wheat fields. Agricultural specialists have been deployed to evaluate the impact, and findings are expected to guide subsequent actions.
According to Russia’s Agriculture Ministry, recent snowfall and rainfall have improved soil moisture levels following dry conditions in 2024. Deputy Minister Andrei Razin stated that overall crop development remains stable, though the effects of the hailstorm in Stavropol are still under review.
In 2024, the Stavropol region produced approximately 6.6 million metric tons of wheat. The recent weather event follows a challenging 2024 season, during which drought and frost reduced Russia’s total grain output to 125 million metric tons.
Analysts are monitoring developments, with current projections for the 2025 grain harvest ranging between 125 and 130 million metric tons. On April 7, the Agriculture Ministry indicated that if the harvest falls below expectations, export restrictions may be implemented to maintain domestic supply.
Unstable weather conditions have persisted across Russia in 2025. While earlier rainfall in the south improved outlooks in some areas, the recent hailstorm in Stavropol has introduced further uncertainty to the current growing season.
References:
1 Hailstorm Hits Russia’s Third-Largest Wheat-Producing Region – Reuters –April 8, 2025
Reet is a science journalist and researcher with a keen focus on extreme weather, space phenomena, and climate-related issues. With a strong foundation in astronomy and a history of environmental activism, she approaches every story with a sharp scientific lens and a deep sense of purpose. Driven by a lifelong love for writing, and a curiosity about the universe, Reet brings urgency and insight to some of the most important scientific developments of our time.
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