The extreme drought, that has gripped Baltic countries especially many regions of Lithuania, will lead to significant crop losses. The National Association of Farmers predicts the loss of up to a third of the crop. The agriculture ministries of all three Baltic states have already agreed to meet with the European Commission next week to discuss ways to help farmers, EastFruit reports.
On average 53 mm of rain falls but only 16 mm fell
According to a representative of the Lithuanian Hydrometeorological Service, it has rained only a few times since April, and not at all since May. The average rainfall in this month is usually 53 mm. This year, only 16 mm of precipitation fell (in some places – less than 10 mm).
The worst weather situation is in western Lithuania, in the areas of the most developed agriculture and livestock. Drought has been observed there for two months.
Help farmers
The mayor of the Klaipeda district said that the city’s operational headquarters had also declared an extreme situation in the entire district, taking into account meteorological data. According to him, about 40% of the harvest and about 60% of the fodder will be lost due to the drought this year, so the emergency situation will also be a reason to appeal to the government for help for farmers.
Marite Gailite, an expert of the Latvijas dārznieks vegetable growers association, confirmed in a comment to EastFruit that the same situation is observed not only in Lithuania, but also in Latvia and Estonia. She adds that where there are localized rains, the situation is even worse, because the dry soil is unable to absorb moisture, and there are puddles on the field. Grain farms are the most affected, with a significant shortfall in harvest expected, but berry growers are also suffering.
In addition, late frosts down to -6°C have significantly damaged the flowers, so the berries are ripening quickly due to the heat and drought, and the outdoor season will soon be over. Livestock farmers are also struggling, as the grass on the pastures has burned and there is nothing to mow. The agriculture ministries of all three Baltic countries are meeting with the European Commission next week to discuss ways to help farmers.