agriculture
If the drought continues, record grain production is not expected
Although fruit growers have relatively well overcome the first part of the year because severe spring frosts were avoided, drought could be a major threat to overall agriculture in Serbia in the coming period.
TL;DR
- Fruit growers initially fared well due to a lack of spring frosts, but drought is now a major concern for Serbian agriculture.
- Farmers across Serbia are anxiously awaiting rainfall, as current precipitation levels are insufficient for crop development.
- The Republic Hydrometeorological Service of Serbia (RHMZ) reports that rainfall has been between 25% and 75% of the average over the past month.
- Strong and extreme drought conditions are predicted for Serbia in the short term, impacting soil moisture.
- Producers are particularly worried about wheat yields, with fears of harvests being halved in some regions, especially northern Vojvodina, due to extreme dryness in April.
- Dr. Milan Mirosavljević from the Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops in Novi Sad anticipates rainfall in the coming days, which should improve conditions for grain fields.
- He notes a significant deficit in rainfall for Novi Sad in April and May, impacting grain development, particularly the number of grains per ear.
- Mirosavljević believes drastic yield reductions of 50% are exaggerated, with typical fluctuations ranging from 15% to 20%, and that the upcoming rainfall and moderate temperatures will improve the situation.
- He also cautions that this year's harvest is unlikely to be a record-breaking one like last year's.
- Favorable weather for sowing spring crops, protection, and fertilization occurred last week, but warm, sunny conditions have also encouraged pests and plant diseases.