Since the Russo-Ukrainian war started, Moldova’s grain exports have decreased by 60%, from about 250,000-300,000 tonnes annually to approximately 150,000 tonnes at present, Igor Grigoriev, president of the Association of Grain Exporters “Agrocereale”, stated in public debates staged by the Institute for Development and Social Initiatives “Viitorul”. Business entities noted temporary costs should be planned to partially solve the problem so that grain could be conveyed to ports in Romania, IPN reports.
Igor Grigoriev said the riverbeds of the Prut and Nistru should be cleaned. The rivers are navigable, but only small ships can sail there. Farmers’ associations are ready to help with expertise and with money for implementing such programs.
Economic policy expert of “Viitorul” Institute Veaceslav Ioniță noted the state should become involved to solve the problem as the agricultural producers cannot transport at least the own quantity of grain intended for export. Also, Ukrainian farmers asked to be allowed to export grain via Moldova to Romania.
Ion Rotaru, the representative of a Transnistrian business entity, said the situation of farmers on the left side of the Nistru is even more serious after the local administration fully banned the export of grain. The National Food Safety Agency should take steps to facilitate the process of obtaining phytosanitary certificates.
Igor Tagadiuc, of another company, noted that temporary quays should be set up as the Reni port through which they export grain works at 20% of its capacity and the risks of closure are big. The authorities should become involved to deal with the situation and to facilitate export through Romania.
Eduard Bulgac, of the Ungheni Agricultural Producers Employers Association, said that tens of trucks loaded with grain have waited for several days to go through the Sculeni Customs. Also, Moldova’s Railways has elevators, but either doesn’t repair them or doesn’t sell them. The farmers could use them to load freight onto wagons. Such requests were made, but the authorities haven’t yet taken a decision.
Moldova’s Railways director Oleg Tofilat said the company has few wagons and cannot satisfy all the requests. He warned that if a solution is not identified, Moldova in three-four years will be unable to export grain as the life of the current carriages expires.
Kilat Spartac, of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said the exporters the last few years preferred to use trucks as shipping by railway was very expensive. He gave the example of the terminal in Giurgiulești, where 80% of the grain is transported by trucks and only 20% by trains.
Igor Munteanu, public policy expert of “Viitorul”, said the problems and solutions formulated by the business community will be included in the recommendations of the Business Agenda that will be presented to the authorities.
