Moldova Drought: Farmers Face Crisis After Crop Devastation
A severe drought has ravaged cornfields in southern Moldova, with losses ranging from 70 to 100 percent for corn and 60 to 80 percent for sunflowers, according to scientific assessments.
The affected districts include Taraclia, Cahul, and Cantemir.
In response to this crisis, Chisinau authorities are urging farmers in the drought-stricken south to obtain force majeure certificates. These certificates would allow them to request a suspension of loan payments and interest from banks.
The Ministry of Agriculture has announced that the National Center for Research and Production of Seed Material and the Institute of Pedology, Agrochemistry and Soil Protection will develop a program of recommendations within the next two weeks. This program will focus on crop types, varieties, and strategies for adapting to the increasingly severe climate changes impacting the region.
"With the new agricultural year starting on September 1st, farmers are gearing up for fall crops and work. To that end, these researchers will be issuing clear recommendations on crop types, varieties, and how to adapt to the increasingly severe climate changes we're experiencing each year," said Vladimir Bolea, Minister of Agriculture.
Meanwhile, farmers are calling for the government to declare a state of emergency in agriculture. They argue that the current mechanism for obtaining loan suspensions through force majeure certificates is ineffective. Alexandru Bădărău, Executive Director of the Farmers' Force Association, stated, "This mechanism is demonstrably non-functional. Last year, under similar circumstances, many farmers faced lawsuits and enforcement actions from both banks and input suppliers. This approach is simply not working."
The Farmers' Force Association has submitted a formal request to all state institutions urging them to declare a state of emergency in agriculture. They have also indicated a willingness to take further measures to pressure the government if their request is not met.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
