Moldova could resume corn seed import after a break of 3 decades

Moldova could see itself forced, after a break of more than 30 years, to import corn seed, believes Vasile Micu, director of the “Porumbeni” Crop Production Institute. The academician termed as unfavourable the situation for corn seed this year. In his words, the excessive parcelling of agricultural lands has made the soil more vulnerable to weather conditions, especially drought. Micu suggests that a solution to this problem would be to create new varieties and hybrids, more resistant and competitive, through improving crop production technology. According to the cited source, to avoid a potential crisis in the field, the Government ought to refund to farmers the value added tax on seeds, with the sums subsequently invested in production. In addition, the scientist recommends creating a reserve fund of seed and a seed processing facility. The director of the “Selectia” Field Crop Research Institute, Ac. Boris Boincean also calls attention to the need of implementing soil protection measures in farms so as to alleviate the consequences of climate change in agriculture.