Experts from the InterSucho project report that many regions in the Czech Republic have seen grain yields decrease by 30-40%. The lack of rainfall has severely affected the production of wheat, barley, corn, sugar beets, and forage crops. Climate scientists emphasize that over half of the country’s territory is experiencing either exceptional or extreme drought, with soil moisture levels approaching critical thresholds.
Due to a lack of hay and dry fodder, farmers are compelled to start feeding livestock earlier than usual, which could lead to a reduction in cattle numbers in the future.
Nevertheless, the Czech Ministry of Agriculture and financial analysts reassure that the country’s food security is not in jeopardy. Thanks to last year’s grain reserves and the potential for partial imports, shortages of food products or price surges are currently not anticipated.
Context
- The drought in the Czech Republic has persisted since spring, with March and April being the driest months since 1961. The summer heat, reaching up to 35 °C without precipitation, has further exacerbated the situation. Currently, over 60% of the republic’s territory is affected by soil drought, causing soil moisture to drop to critical levels.
