Moldova is to harvest a 30% smaller milling wheat crop in 2012 (240 KMT)

Moldova’s 2012 milling wheat crop is expected at some 240 KMT, i.e. about 100 KMT, or 30% less than in 2011, said the Agriculture Minister. Winter crops in Moldova were impacted by a drought in 2011, a soil moisture deficit, and this winter’s severe frost.

340 KMT of milling wheat is needed to meet the country’s domestic demand. About 50 KMT of milling wheat is available in the state reserves and it is planned to purchase another 10 KMT by the end of February 2012. In addition, Moldova imports 2-3 KMT of flour a month.

According to official information, winter crops were planted on more than 345 Th ha this year, including 272 Th ha of wheat, 50 Th ha of barley and 23 Th ha of rape.

The Agriculture Ministry preliminarily estimates that frost killed over two thirds of rape plantings and damaged at least a third of wheat and barley crops.

According to data presented by MoA specialists, over 49% winter crops (140,200 hectares are in grave condition), and only 40% (115,000) in satisfactory one. They said that 2012 harvest is expected at the level of 500,000 tons, of which 240,000 tons are food wheat.

According to the Agriculture Ministry, the wheat crop was 770 KMT in 2010 and 833 KMT in 2011, including 40% of milling wheat and 60% of feed grain.

UkrAgroConsult