Rape crops affected

The lack of rain in April and May, and extremely high temperatures in this period have caused very low per hectare yields for grains. The most affected crop is rape, reports Info-Prim Neo. Minister of Agriculture and Food Industry Vasile Bumacov stated, at a press conference on Monday, July 2, that crop collection started massively around the country. According to forecasts, there will be about 550,000 tons of wheat, 150,000 tons of barley, 10,000 tons of beans and 10,000 of rape. “Rape was most affected in the south, and we have mentioned several times that rape is not fit for plantation in the south of the country, it is too risky”, said the minister. Vasile Bumacov added that the barley was also affected, especially the spring crops. According to the minister, the drought affected the wheat as well, but there will still be enough to secure the minimum necessary for consumption. Exports will not increase relative to last year; however, there are no conditions for increases in bread prices. Vasile Bumacov added that the irrigation system development strategy will be implemented soon. With the financial support of several European sources, and effective irrigation system will be built. “We will continue to subsidize insurance in agriculture, so that the farmers do not go bankrupt when such natural disasters occur”, said the minister. Better wheat crops are registered in districts Drochia and Ocnita.