The farmers growing sugar beet are cautious about making forecasts as to this year’s crop. Alexandru Slusari, chairman of the National Union of Agricultural Producers Associations “Uniagroprotect”, has told IPN that the sugar beet in parts is overgrown, but the months of July and August are decisive for its development.

“In some places the sugar beet is larger than normal for this period. But the situation in June 2009 was similar. There was then drought in July and August and the sugar beet didn’t grow. For this crop to grow well, water is needed mainly in July and August,” said Alexandru Slusari.

He also said that he discussed with the chairman of the Union of Sugar Beet Producers, who told him that there are preconditions for a high crop, but the producers are unable to ensure appropriate irrigation. Thus, in case of drought, the crop will simply not develop.

Last year, the sugar beet yield was 22-23 tonnes per hectare, which was not very much according to specialists. This year, sugar beet was sown on over 27,000 hectares.

According to weather forecasts, June will be rainy, but the next two months will be driers.