Sunflower harvest expected to be higher this year, experts
The national average sunflower yield this year could range from 18 to 20 quintals per hectare, compared with the ten year average of 19 quintals per hectare. The Environmental Meteorology and Monitoring Authority based this estimate on an analysis of agroclimatic factors, including rainfall, soil moisture, and the weather conditions forecast for the remaining period before harvest.
The development of sunflower crops will continue to depend on weather conditions in the coming weeks. Drought or extreme temperatures could significantly affect the harvest, as the crop will reach full maturity in about a month.
It is still too early to make an accurate forecast of sunflower production. Such an estimate will only be possible at the end of July or the beginning of August, when the crop reaches full maturity, said Alexandru Slusari, executive director of the Farmers' Force Association. According to him, the harvest will largely depend on weather conditions until then.
"There are grounds for a positive outlook because we received sufficient rainfall during and immediately after sowing, close to the long-term average. These conditions allowed the crops to establish well. Until recently, they remained in good condition. However, the plants are now under heat stress. If high temperatures and low rainfall continue through July, we can expect conditions to deteriorate, which would reduce yields," Alexandru Slusari said.
According to farmer Nicolae Sprînceanu, who grows 450 hectares of sunflower in the village of Hîrtopul Mic, this year's sunflower harvest could surpass those of previous years if the current heat does not persist.
"The sunflower crop looks very good. Based on its current condition, we can hope for about three metric tons per hectare. However, if temperatures reach 40 degrees Celsius, yields could fall significantly. The plants are already flowering, but excessive heat could disrupt pollination and lead to substantial losses," Nicolae Sprînceanu said.
According to data from the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry, the average sunflower yield this year is forecast at 1.9 metric tons per hectare, with total production expected to reach about 762,000 metric tons from a sown area of 390,000 hectares.
The largest sunflower growing areas are in the Autonomous Territorial Unit of Gagauzia, with more than 33,000 hectares, followed by Florești District with about 22,000 hectares, and the districts of Căușeni, Cahul, Soroca, and Râșcani.
