Cooperation in Balchik: Drought imposes new strategies in agriculture

Half as many corn fields have been sown this farming season in the "Cherno More" cooperative. From 10,000 decares in previous seasons, now farmers there will harvest just 4,500 decares, reported Chairman Emil Enchev. Although the cooperative's lands are located by the sea in the Balchik municipality and there is some influence of the maritime climate, drought is widespread, the farmer is categorical. His forecasts are for poor corn yields as before last year. "Last year was extremely unfavorable for corn. We harvested about 230 kg/decare. There have been extreme years, but not like this," commented Emil Enchev. The usual poor weather conditions are prompting the cooperatives to make changes in crop selection. In addition to the reduced corn fields and increased sunflower fields, next year they will bet on a drought-resistant plant. "We will sow non-traditional crops for our farm, such as chickpeas. Other colleagues in the region are already betting on it. We strive to minimize the ...