Draught threatens autumn crops

The heat wave threatens corn, sunflower and sugar beet production. The harvest may be saved in regions that have functional irrigation systems. The information was presented by Minister of Agriculture Vasile Bumacov, at the meeting of the Emergencies Commission, Info-Prim Neo reports. “The biggest threat is to autumn crops. Where there are functional irrigation systems, we must find money to put them into use, even if it means taking funds from the state reserve, in order to save what we can. Most farmers carry water in barrels to save the harvest”, said the Minister. According to Vasile Bumacov, the quantity of wheat that will be harvested this year is estimated at 550,000 tonnes, half of which is for food. The harvest of first group grains is expected to be at 10,000 tonnes of peas and 10,000 tonnes of rapeseed. 73% of the latter harvest has been compromised since last fall. Although there are reserves of wheat, the government might buy more if needed, assured the Minister. According to Vasile Bumacov, negotiations with foreign creditors will start soon in order to provide farmers with seeds and fuel for the autumn sowing.