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As far as corn is concerned, Slovakia is threatened with low yields due to a prolonged drought. Jana Holéciová, spokesperson for the Slovak Chamber of Agriculture and Food Industry (SPPK), stated this at TASR.
“July is crucial for pollination and optimal development of corn, but it is during this period that rainfall is a measly 7 mm. The Corn Growers and Processors Association is not talking about positive forecasts. On the contrary. July was very hot. The pollen dried up and pollination conditions became significantly more difficult. If the lack of rainfall affects pollination, we expect a poor harvest.” enlarge.
“If some farmers had planted maize even in early April, we would have seen hope for a better harvest because the maize took advantage of the moisture in June. At first, the yield was even up to ten tons, but then, especially in July, the heat and drought set in.” She explained.
Corn acreage in Slovakia this year is similar to last year
She added that the area planted with corn in Slovakia this year is similar to last year, i.e. around 140,000 hectares. “Compared to the extremely dry year of 2022, the area is 60 thousand hectares less. The reasons are unpredictable weather and increased drying costs in wet years. At the same time, the entire southern region of Slovakia up to Košice or Trebišov has ideal conditions for growing this crop.” She pointed out.
“In addition to corn, sunflowers and soybeans are also severely affected under drought conditions. Sugar beet plants need to be watered continuously, not suddenly. According to the Sugar Beet Growers Association, some sugar beet fields in Slovakia have already started shedding the lower leaves. Diseases can also ‘happen’ faster in cases of extreme drought.” the SPPK spokesperson added.
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