The year 2024 brought great challenges to Serbian farmers, due to droughts, lack of precipitation and high temperatures. These factors significantly reduced yields, while high input costs and low purchase prices further worsened the situation. Irrigation, due to high costs, was almost unprofitable, which led to many farmers ending this season in financial losses.
The first half of the year, especially spring, was extremely dry, with an average of only 10 to 12 rainy days per quarter. In the second quarter, a slightly higher amount of precipitation was recorded, especially in June, with 15 to 18 rainy days in Vojvodina. However, during the summer months temperatures rose, while rainfall was below average, with only 5 to 7 rainy days in July and August. These unfavorable weather conditions had a significant impact on yield reduction.
The 2024 wheat harvest showed mediocre results, with an average yield of 4.5 tons per hectare, which is below the average of previous years. Maize suffered great damage, especially in Vojvodina, where the average yield was 6-7 tons per hectare, while some areas reported even lower yields. Soybeans are among the most affected crops, with yields between 2.5 and 3.2 tonnes per hectare, due to lack of rainfall during key growth stages. Sunflower, more resistant to drought, recorded somewhat better results, with average yields of 3.5 to 4 tons per hectare.
Drought, precipitation, yields – explained in detail
At the Product Exchange in Novi Sad, the prices of agricultural products recorded an increase in the second half of the year. The price of corn reached 22 dinars per kilogram, wheat 24.5 dinars, while soybean reached the price of 59 dinars per kilogram, which is a significant increase compared to the beginning of the year. Despite the rise in prices, reduced yields made the situation of many farmers difficult.
Fruit production, especially apples and plums, was significantly affected by the drought, with yields down 15-20% compared to the previous year. The lack of precipitation, drought and high temperatures during the flowering and fruit development phases negatively affected the quality of the fruit.
Growers of vegetables, such as tomatoes and peppers, faced additional irrigation costs to maintain fruit quality. For example, in the village of Ruski Krstur, which is known for its horn pepper, the purchase price of first-class fruits ranged between 80 and 110 dinars per kilogram. At the same time, they were sold in the markets at prices from 200 to 300 dinars.
The year 2024 was particularly challenging for Serbian agriculture. Climate change is expected to continue to be a serious problem. Adaptation to new weather conditions is becoming crucial for the long-term sustainability of agriculture in Serbia.
Source: Farmer
Source: boljazemlja.com
