UN Food and Agriculture Organization works out agricultural calendar in context of COVID-19 pandemic

Chisinau, 20 April /MOLDPRES/ - The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has worked out a string of recommendations on the planting and harvesting during the COVID-19 pandemic, for each crop and country.       

FAO’s mapping instrument posts information on the months of planting and harvesting for the new food products and agricultural crops. The agricultural calendar for planting and harvesting shows critical periods, during which agricultural works should be carried out, while taking into account the local agro-ecological conditions.  The crops are chosen depending on their importance for the country from the viewpoint of the production’s value or because they represent an essential basis for nourishment.

Thus, the green colour on map shows that the agricultural works must be carried out, including in an accelerated pace. This happens in all cases when an agricultural work should take place in April, no matter the total number of months needed for ending the task. The yellow colour shows that the situation must be monitored and assessed, as the crisis develops. The yellow colour also shows the speeding up of the tasks, if this is regarded as necessary and feasible.   

„More and more states introduce measures which reduce the mobility of residents and labour force, because of the COVID-19 pandemic. This might compromise the needed agricultural works, transforming the situation into a shock for the production systems. If the agricultural works are not carried out in time, the crops ready for harvesting can be lost, while the planting might not be possible, thus hitting the food availabilities in the long run,’’ FAO said.         

In the last two years, the UN Food and Agriculture Organization has provided Moldova with support through implementation of more projects nationally and five projects regionally, focused on food safety, health of animals and plants, protection against drought.