Agriculture Ministry recommends storing wheat beforehand

The weather conditions last autumn and this winter affected the wheat and other crops. Thus, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry recommends the bakeries to make wheat reserves beforehand, Info-Prim Neo reports. In a news conference, Agriculture Minister Vasile Bumacov said the state of the crop fields differs depending on the climacteric zone and the amount of precipitation that fell. “There is a shortage of rainwater everywhere, but the crops in northern Moldova are in a better state. The grain harvest in the northern districts will be 2-3 tonnes per hectare, while in the southern districts much lower, even 1 tonne per hectare or less,” said the minister. According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry, the wheat yield this year will total 540,000-560,000 tonnes, a decrease of 15-20% compared with last year. “However, the country’s food security will be ensured. We will be even able to export wheat. But, given the situation in the countries of the region and the projected wheat prices at international stock exchanges (of US$300-350 per tonne of wheat), we recommend the bakeries to store wheat beforehand, not in autumn, when the prices may rise,” said Vasile Bumacov. He also said that no measures will be taken to restrict the export of wheat. “The price of wheat on the home market is about 3 lei per kilogram. Being competitive, this price will make many producers to sell the wheat at home,” stated the minister. As to the spring crops, Vasile Bumacov said they occupy an area of about 800,000 hectares, which is smaller than last year. Most of the corn, sunflower, barley, soybean and sugar beet fields are in a good state and the harvest depends on how the crops are being looked after in continuation.