Drought in the Czech Republic threatens to result in the worst grain harvest in 14 years
A severe drought in the Czech Republic could significantly reduce crop yields. In some regions of the country, drought conditions have reached their most severe levels in decades.
Due to the lack of moisture, not only grain crops but also rapeseed, corn, potatoes, sugar beets, and soybeans are at risk. The drought is also negatively affecting vineyards and fruit trees.
The sunny, warm, and dry weather without precipitation in the Czech Republic is causing concern among farmers. According to estimates by the Czech Statistical Office, the grain harvest is expected to be the lowest in the last 14 years due to the heat and drought, and in the case of rapeseed, the lowest in the last 21 years. Corn and sugar beet producers are also anticipating a decline.
According to statisticians’ estimates, this year’s harvest of major grain crops is projected to total 6.39 million metric tons, 16.9 percent less than last year. As for rapeseed, the harvest is expected to be only about 808,000 metric tons, representing a drop of more than one-fifth compared to the previous year.
The weather has accelerated the harvest of wheat, barley, and rapeseed across the country. In a number of regions, yields have fallen by 30 percent or even more than 40 percent. The lack of rain will also negatively affect the corn and sugar beet harvests.
There is also a threat of a feed shortage. Due to the lack of precipitation, soil relative saturation is currently below 10 percent across 60 percent of the country’s territory, a condition close to the wilting point. Farmers in some regions are already anticipating shortages of hay, straw, and other feedstuffs. “We are seeing the most serious impact on forage crops and corn, where feed shortages could lead to a reduction in the cattle herd. This year’s drought may also affect agriculture in the coming years,” said Michal Procházka, spokesperson for the Agricultural Union.
Barbora Panková, a spokesperson for the Agrarian Chamber, noted that, in addition to the drought, fruit growers and some vegetable producers are still dealing with the aftermath of spring frosts.
The drought has been plaguing the Czech Republic since spring. March and April were the driest period since 1961. Air temperatures are expected to reach 35 degrees Celsius again this weekend.
Novinky reports on this.
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