“2017 is a good agricultural year in terms of quality of production and quantity of harvest, despite the natural challenges,” stated Minister of Agriculture, Regional Development and Environment Vasile Batca. In a festivity held to celebrate the Day of Agriculture Workers, the minister said this is due to the efforts made by farmers and this holiday is an occasion for rendering homage to all those who, by their work, provide us with food, IPN reports.

“I’m glad that you made effort this year too and the grain and vegetable harvests are higher than last year. Some 3.8 tonnes of wheat were collected ion average per hectare. In the northern districts, there were gathered over 4 tonnes per hectare,” noted the minister.

Vasile Batca noted that 3,500 combines, half of which are modern ones, were involved in harvesting. The wheat harvest totaled 1.17 million tonnes and this is enough for supplying the country with bread. There are even reserves that could be exported. The authorities are ready to offer the farmers assistance in initiating new projects, to implement advanced technologies. For the purpose, about 238.2 million lei subsidies have been allocated from the national agriculture and rural development fund to farmers this year.

Attending the event, chairman of the parliamentary commission on agriculture and food industry Ion Balan said the farmers sum up the results at each yearend. Each year is different, but Moldova’s agriculture nevertheless makes visible progress and develops consistently and qualitatively.

The participants in the festivity also watched a concert featuring national artists. The best practices in agriculture were awarded.