Sunflower harvest to start earlier in Moldova in 2018

Chisinau, 21 August /MOLDPRES/ – The sunflower crops have grown about three weeks earlier than usual in 2018, so manufacturers have already begun to prepare the farming equipment for mass harvesting. The sources from the Ministry of Agriculture, Regional Development and Environment (MADRM) have reported today to the agency that in a week the process will start in the central and the southern districts, and in two more – in northern part of Moldova.  

According to head of department of MADRM, Vasile Sarban, in 2018, sunflower seeds in the central and southern districts are more uniform than in the northern area, where they are even higher, because in June – July in the north there have been more precipitations, and soils in this region are better.

"The humidity of seeds and plants is high, but every 2 – 3 days must be taken samples, because the humidity may drop sharply. On it, it is recommended to dissolve the sunflower masses as to ensure a uniform co – existence," said the head of MADRM's production, processing and regulating policy department of the products of plant origin.

According to forecasts, the average yield per hectare of sunflower in 2018 will be higher than in 2017, which constituted 2.1 tonnes/ha. Also, in northern districts, there is a richer harvest in central and southern regions.

Interviewed by agency about the state of maize plantations, the Minister of Agriculture said that "in this sector the situation is satisfactory, the fruit is formed and any rainfall will not affect sowings."

"The leaves dry, but moisture content of corn seeds is high and this year's harvest can start later than usual. The agricultural machinery must be prepared for beginning of harvest in late September, in central and the southern districts, and in northern part of the country – in early October," said Vasile Sarban to agency.

According to MADRM's forecasts, the average crop yield of maize in 2018 will be higher than in 2017, which constituted 3.7 tonnes per hectare.

In 2018, households of all categories planted 362.2 thousand hectares of sunflower and 490 thousand hectares of corn as a whole in Moldova, which is more than the average of recent five years.

(Reporter L. Grubii, editor A. Raileanu)