SPPK: This Year's Harvest Has Begun, It Will Probably Not Rewrite Records

Bratislava, 20 June 20 (TASR) - The harvest in Slovakia has become a reality these days, TASR was told by spokeswoman for the Slovak Agriculture and Food Chamber (SPPK) Jana Holeciova on Friday. The first combine harvesters have already hit the fields and in some areas of southern Slovakia they are starting to cut this year's harvest. The initial mowing is experimental, so that farmers can see the quality of the grain, its maturity level and then consider how to proceed. In the next few days, and especially from next week, the grain harvest will be in full swing. Holeciova stated that Nitra district is one of the first regions of Slovakia where this year's harvest is gradually starting. Farmers will be particularly curious to see how the cereals have coped with the lack of winter and spring rainfall. The soil moisture deficit has been evident for months, and growers are also reporting it. "It is more or less certain that we won't rewrite records this year. We're expecting average yields of densely sown cereals and rapeseed just because of the poor rainfall and spring weather. The positive news is that there will be enough grain for Slovakia's needs. And this is very good news not only for the mills and bakeries, but also for our consumers," said SPPK first vice-chair Emil Macho. am