Moldovan farmers believe state of emergency should be introduced in drought-hit areas

Chisinau, 19 August /MOLDPRES/ - Agricultural producers call on the government to create committees to assess the consequences of the drought and introduce the state of emergency in areas that were severely affected. Because of the drought, the harvest of spring crops and orchards will decrease by 50-60 per cent compared to 2014, reads a letter addressed to Prime Minister Valeriu Strelet.

The request is signed by the leaders of four representative associations, that bring together agricultural producers and farmers. The signatories of the letter call for "the establishment, at the local and central level, of special committees that will draw up the list of agricultural enterprises, which have suffered as a result of the excessive drought, by 30 September."

The year 2015 is "extremely difficult for farmers in Moldova." All resources needed for agricultural production rose by 30-40 per cent, due to currency depreciation. Interest rates on loans increased substantially and the number of loans for agricultural producers dropped significantly. Furthermore, the severe drought compromised half of the harvest, the letter said.

Farmers also complain that the subsidy fund was actually reduced by 180 million lei and only a third of the debts for 2014 were paid. They demand payment until 1 September 2015 of all arrears on the subsidies for 2014.

The organisations that signed the letter also consider that Moldova should seek financial aid from foreign donors for the affected agricultural enterprises.

(Reporter V. Bercu, Editor L. Alcaza)