Drought, Heat and Storms Impact Slovak Harvest, Farmers Expect Average Yields

Veľké Ripnany/Bratislava, 1 July (TASR) – This year’s harvest in Slovakia is being heavily affected by extreme drought, high temperatures, and severe storms, Agriculture Minister Richard Takac (Smer-SD) and President of the Slovak Agriculture and Food Industry Chamber (SPPK) Andrej Gajdos announced during a harvest field visit in Velke Ripnany (Nitra region) on Monday. Prime Minister Robert Fico (Smer-SD) also visited the start of the harvest at the Radosinka Agricultural Cooperative. According to Fico, farmers are facing particularly challenging climate conditions this year. „Despite that, we can say that the harvest should yield satisfactory results. This means somewhere around average - and I am glad we can assure the public that the harvest will meet Slovakia’s domestic needs,” the prime minister stated. The harvest began in southern districts last week and is gradually expanding to other regions. Gajdos noted that it is still too early to assess the overall outcome. „We need to wait until all the grain and crops are harvested. We expect average yields of cereals and oilseeds. There are concerns about spring-sown crops that will be harvested later in the season, such as corn, sunflower, soy, and sugar beet,” he said. According to Gajdos, the main concern is the persistent lack of rainfall. „Slovakia is experiencing the most severe drought in a decade, currently affecting 66 percent of the country. Forecasts from meteorologists are not optimistic either. Forage crops like corn and soy used in livestock production may suffer in the autumn — and we may suffer along with them. We hope for rainfall in the form of regular showers, not destructive storms,” Gajdos added. Minister Takac promised farmers support through state aid schemes and national subsidies. mf