Stats: Slovakia Expects 11% Rise in Grain Harvest, Nearing 2.9 Million Tonnes

Bratislava, 8 July (TASR) – Slovakia’s total harvest of cereal grains is expected to reach nearly 2.9 million tonnes this year, an increase of more than 280,000 tonnes when compared to last year's final yield, according to the first crop estimate compiled by the Statistics Office based on data as of 20 June 2025. This represents an 11 percent year-on-year increase, mainly driven by higher per-hectare yields across all monitored crops. The total sown area of cereal grains reached nearly 527,000 hectares, up by 3.9 percent (20,000 hectares) when compared to last year. The oil-seed rape harvest is projected to remain at last year’s level, with around 390,000 tonnes expected, supported by slightly higher yields per hectare. Favorable growing conditions — warm temperatures and sufficient rainfall after autumn sowing, during the winter and in early spring — have contributed to optimistic yield expectations for cereals and oil-seed rape. Farmers anticipate a modest year-on-year increase in yields, with most projected crop yields (except oil-seed rape) exceeding the five-year average. Wheat, Slovakia's most widely cultivated grain, now covers almost 381,000 hectares — an increase of 9 percent from last year. The average yield per hectare is expected to reach 5.62 tonnes, slightly higher than in 2024 and above the five-year average. Barley, the second most common cereal, is expected to yield 629,000 tonnes — up 5.7 percent year-on-year — despite an 8-percent reduction in the sown area. This increase is attributed to a significant rise in expected yield per hectare, reaching 5.36 tonnes (a 14 percent increase over last year and 5.9 percent above the five-year average). Higher yields are also expected for rye, oats and triticale. mf/df