In Bulgaria and Romania, sunflower and corn yields have significantly decreased, wheat is the best in decades

Sunflower yields in Bulgaria fell to 1.55 t/ha, while in Romania farmers expect 1.45 t/ha. Compared to the previous year, which also suffered to some extent from drought, yields fell by 16.2% for Bulgaria and 32.5% for Romania. Against the 5-year average yield, respectively, by 29% and 34.7% less, Agroportal.bg reported. In Bulgaria, corn yields fell even more sharply, as this crop is less resistant to water shortages, and most of it is not irrigated in the region as a whole. Analysts estimate the yield in Bulgaria at 3.45 t/ha, which is 22.5% less than last year and 38% less than the 5-year average. Similarly, the corn yield in Romania is estimated at 3.5 t/ha, which is 22% less than in 2023 and 19% less than the 5-year average. “Although the hot weather significantly reduced the yield of both crops, it also led to an increase in aflatoxins in corn. The extreme heat and dryness created ideal conditions for the development of toxins. But the situation is not clear, and the degree ...