Meanwhile, the regional government of Vojvodina claimed that it was preventing desertification of the area by investing in the local hydrological system.
A severe drought has forced Serbian farmers to start their crops much earlier again. sunflower y corn.
It is the third year in a row that the region is affected by these conditions, and the impact on yield is enormous: this year corn production is expected to be three times lower than usual.
Europe’s breadbasket at serious risk
Tomica Vojnićby Tavankut, describes a bleak panorama. “As you see, there are many peelings,” he tells ‘Euronews’, pointing to the corn stalks. “Many of them do not even have a cob, or it is very small.”
The northern region of Vojvodina, part of what is known as “the barn of europe“, has been especially affected. The drought not only stunted growth, but also brought pests that further damaged the already scarce crops.
The water crisis was another problem on the minds of farmers. Many residents have their own wells, but they are dry. “There is no water in our wells“said Vojnić, “our crops depend on God’s mercy to send water from the heavens.”
Farmers forced to sell machinery and even their land
Expectations cannot be met, farmers say, as drought continues to devastate crops. Miroslav Matkovićof the Subotica Farmers Associationagreed and demanded the immediate intervention of the Government. “If the State doesn’t do something, we will all have problems,” he told ‘Euronews‘.
Despite two years of petitions to the Subotica city council to declare a natural catastrophe Due to the drought, there was no response. “We were ten days on the street“said Matković, pointing out the frustration and desperation of farmers.
Given the impossibility of irrigating, some farmers have been forced to sell part of their machinery or even their land. to pay loans and leases.
Drought not only affects agricultural production, but also agrarian policy. While farmers demanded more support and measures, the Vojvodina regional government said it was doing its part to prevent desertification investing in the local hydrological system.
As Serbia faces this environmental and economic crisis, the demand for a stronger response grows stronger. Whether through emergency declarations, financial aid or infrastructure investments, it is clear that many Serbian farmers will lose their livelihoods if no significant intervention occurs.
