Prolonged drought in the Czech Republic threatens minimal grain harvest
The Czech Republic is facing one of the worst grain crop harvests in the last 14 years due to prolonged heat and drought. According to the Czech Statistical Office, this year’s grain harvest may amount to about 6.39 million tons, which is 16.9% less than last year.
The country is forecasting a significant decrease in rapeseed yield, which could be the lowest in the last 21 years. Negative forecasts also concern corn and sugar beet. Despite the active progress of wheat, barley, and rapeseed harvesting in various regions, drought conditions continue to affect crops that will be harvested in the autumn.
Economists note that although the harvest situation is critical, it will not lead to a sharp increase in food prices. The Ministry of Agriculture of the Czech Republic assures there is no threat to the country’s food security and self-sufficiency. Ministry spokesperson Vojtěch Bílý confirmed that current conditions do not pose a serious threat of food shortage.
Globally, the United Nations warns of increasing climate risks in connection with the activation of the El Niño phenomenon. The world will have to face dangerous heatwaves, droughts, floods, and new temperature records, which may exacerbate global climate changes.
