Moldovan Farmers Push for State of Emergency Amid Severe Drought
Moldovan farmers are calling for a state of emergency in the agricultural sector, following severe heat and drought that have caused extensive damage to crops.
In their desperation, farmers warn that without the much-anticipated harvest, they face the prospect of mounting debts to their creditors. In response, relevant authorities indicate that they will discuss the proposal with representatives of commercial banks and other creditors to assess the economic impact.
During a recent meeting with the Ministry of Agriculture, agricultural producers advocated for the declaration of a state of emergency as a necessary measure to secure more favourable terms with creditors.
"By declaring a state of emergency, we would also ease the situation for our suppliers, who themselves are burdened with debts and have taken out loans for seed material," said Ion Plămădeală, representative of the Farmers' Force Association. "This declaration would enable the government to appeal to European institutions, highlighting the severity of the situation. We are currently preparing documents across all districts, assessing the actual situation on the ground, and requesting the establishment of this state of emergency."
Conversely, Minister of Agriculture Vladimir Bolea stated that he will also discuss the proposal with both commercial banks and loan distributors. He noted that he has already received reports on the damage caused by the drought in the central and northern regions. In the coming days, he plans to examine the situation in the southern part of the country.
"In districts such as Cahul, Cantemir, Căușeni, and others like Vulcănești and Basarabeasca, drought has become a persistent environmental factor rather than a periodic occurrence. There will be visits and consultations in these districts, meetings with farmers and scientists, and clear recommendations on how to adapt to these climate changes and mitigate the drought's impact on farmers," said Vladimir Bolea.
Simultaneously, the Ministry of Agriculture is urging farmers to obtain force majeure certificates and use them to request that banks suspend payments and interest. Notably, the drought has affected corn crops in the districts of Taraclia, Cahul, and Cantemir in the south of the country by more than 70 percent, and sunflower crops by nearly 80 percent.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
