Farmers under the pressure of drought. Central Statistical Office on the state of winter crops in 2026
According to the Central Statistical Office, which has just published the “Preliminary assessment of the wintering of crops in 2026”, the main cause of losses were severe frosts in January and February, in places below -25°C, accompanied by drying winds and insufficient snow cover. As a result, most voivodeships experienced greater crop damage than last year. Losses were also compounded by temperature fluctuations, ponding water and plant diseases, including snow mold.
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Most plants were not harmed
In autumn, approximately 4.5 million hectares of winter cereals were sown, i.e. approximately 1.1 percent more than a year earlier – informs the Central Statistical Office. The area of rapeseed and turnip rape was approximately 1.1 million ha. Most of the sowings were carried out at optimal times and their condition was assessed at a level similar to last year's.
According to the Central Statistical Office, variable weather conditions in winter increased the risk of plant damage, especially in the absence of adequate snow cover. In March, vegetation resumed, which allowed the commencement of field work and sowing of spring cereals and vegetables, but the persistent lack of rainfall limited water resources in the soil in many regions of the country.
According to the Central Statistical Office data, approximately 0.2% of the land was qualified for plowing. area of winter cereals and approx. 0.6 percent rapeseed and turnip rape. At the same time, most of the plants survived the winter in relatively good condition – the share of live plants was over 94-96%. for cereals and approx. 88 percent for rapeseed.
Water deficit in the soil
The overwintering of fruit trees and shrubs was most often assessed as good or satisfactory, although – as indicated by the Central Statistical Office – the following species were more exposed to damage: apricots, cherries, peaches and some varieties of plums. Spring frosts and lack of rainfall further worsen vegetation conditions.
In the opinion of the Central Statistical Office, one of the main risk factors for this year's agricultural production is currently the water deficit in the soil, which affects the growth rate of plants and the emergence of spring crops.
The final assessment of winter and spring losses and the condition of crops will be carried out in the second half of May, informs the Central Statistical Office.
