New agrometeorological stations to help farmers in Moldova combat drought and frost

The Republic of Moldova is taking an important step in strengthening its resilience to climate change by fully modernizing the national meteorological, hydrological, and agrometeorological monitoring system. Through a joint effort of development partners from Japan, Sweden, and Austria, coordinated by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the country is benefiting from 42 state-of-the-art stations designed to protect the population and the agricultural sector from extreme weather events.

The total investment, which exceeds 476,000 US dollars, enables the provision of accurate, real-time data for residents and farmers in 17 districts, as well as in the Autonomous Territorial Unit Gagauzia. The new equipment, managed by the State Hydrometeorological Service, forms a unified early warning system for droughts, frosts, heavy rains, and floods.

The hydrological network has been strengthened with 16 automatic stations that monitor water basins from north to south.

"This expansion allows the authorities to forecast flash floods, especially on small rivers, providing the necessary time to mobilize intervention resources, as the geographical distribution of investments has been carried out strategically. Sweden financed the modernization of six stations along the Dniester River, in the localities of Unguri, Soroca, Sanatauca, Criuleni, Vadul lui Vodă, and Răscăieți. Japan supported the installation of five stations in the southern area, in Giurgiulești, Pelinei, Ceadîr-Lunga, Cahul, and Basarabeasca. Austria is supporting the installation of five stations in Copăceanca, Soloneț, Bahu, Lăpușna, and Ialpug sub-basins, a process that is to be completed by late 2026," explains UNDP.

The southern region, which is most exposed to aridization processes and prolonged droughts, has been equipped with 14 automatic agrometeorological stations, installed with the support of the Government of Japan.

"These tools are vital for farmers, providing them with essential information on the optimal time for irrigation, protection against late frosts, or the harvesting period. Accurate data allows farmers to choose the most resistant varieties for local microclimates, reducing the massive financial losses recorded in recent years," according to UNDP.

Additionally, to increase the accuracy of local forecasts, 12 mini meteorological stations are being integrated into the national network to serve villages across Moldova.

Thus, seven units funded by Japan are already operational in the localities of Gotești, Căinari, Tvardița, Congaz, Cișmichioi, Ciumai, and the town of Hîncești. Another five stations, funded by Austria, are to be installed in Vasileuți, Sîngereii Noi, Crăsnășeni, Bolțun and Maximeni.

These mini-stations allow local public authorities to issue early warnings specific to each locality, giving citizens the opportunity to protect their households and property against severe weather conditions.