On September 30, four postage stamps dedicated to cereal crops were put into postal circulation in the Flora of Russia series

Cereal crops are plants of the grass family (Poaceae). They are a key sector of agriculture, serving as the main human food product, fodder for most farm livestock, and raw materials for many industries. The presence of large amounts of starch and protein in the fruits of cereals determines their use for the production of baking flour, cereals, fibers and building materials.

A common external feature of the grass family is the form of erect plants with hard hollow stems, elongated leaves, and blossom clusters in the form of a spike or a panicle.

Cereal plants primarily include bread grains: wheat, oats, barley, rye, millet, rice, corn and sorghum. The specific attributes of growing cereal crops are the dates and time of their sowing. Spring crops are sown in early summer, when the ground warms up. Winter crops are planted in autumn. In winter, the plants are dormant, and in the spring of the following year they continue to develop.

Wheat can rightfully be referred to as the main grain crop. This cereal began to be cultivated about 10-12 thousand years ago. Soft wheat is needed for bakery; various types of pasta are made of durum; and crumbly cakes and pies are made of club wheat. Production of certain cereals requires special efforts. For example, growing of 1 kg of rice requires 4,000 liters of water. Therefore, most rice fields are irrigated fields (rice bays), where rice is grown with constant water flooding. The water is drained only during harvesting.

Grain farming is the foundation of Russia's entire agricultural sector; it plays a key role in the economy, food security, and the country's foreign economic activity. Russia is among the world leaders in grain production and export.

The postage stamps feature cereal crops: common wheat, cereal ruttishness, cultivated oats, and floating rice.

In addition to the issue of the postage stamps, JSC Marka produced First Day Covers and special cancels for Moscow, St. Petersburg, Oryol and Penza, as well as maxi-cards and an illustrated cover with postage stamps, a label and a First Day Cover with a cancel for Moscow inside.


Design Artist: V. Beltyukov.
Face value: 40 rubles.
Stamp size: 36.5×29 mm, sheet size: 100×150 mm.
Emission form: a sheet with formatted margins with 8 (2×4) stamps.
Quantity: 50 thousand each stamp (25 thousand sheets).

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