The losses that were reportedly sustained in agriculture as a result of the late April snowfalls are different from those assessed by experts of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry. There were situations when district divisions reported losses of 100%, but examinations on the spot showed only 10% of the crops were damaged. The Ministry decided to constitute two commissions for verifying the information coming from districts – a commission for horticulture and another one for phitotechny, IPN reports.

In a news conference, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food Industry Iurie Usurelu said additional inspections will be organized to determine the real extent of damage caused in agriculture.

Division head Vasile Sarban said the areas of sunflower seeds that were flooded as a result of the sudden melting of snow weren’t affected as seriously as it was initially anticipated as the plants at that time didn’t develop roots and can thus continue their normal growth.

As regards orchards, the damage will be assessed in the second half of June. “I cannot say how the extent of damage was determined at the local level, but the method is not very professional,” said Vasile Sarban, noting damage was partially sustained because the famers do not take measures to protect the trees and do not treat them against pests. This will affect the fruit harvests this year.

Deputy division head Valeriu Cebotari said the temperatures of April 20-24 didn’t seriously affect vineyards, if only the younger vines that didn’t resist the thick layer of snow. The district divisions reported damage on an area of about 15,000 hectares of vineyards, but this information should also be verified by specialists who will travel to the scene.