Huge damages from floods in Serbia

BELGRADE – It is difficult to make an assessment of damages that flash floods are causing to Serbia’s crops today, when the government declared a state of emergency in the country, but it is certain that it will be measured in millions of euros, agro-economic analyst Milan Prostran said Thursday.

Prostran told Tanjug that damages to fruit, vegetable, corn and wheat crops are certain, but he still believes food will not be scarce in the domestic market.

The exports balance is threatened, however, as fruit production, accounting for about USD 500 million in exports every year, will be lower this year, Prostran said.

“This is a really atypical year in terms of climate, as in two months we will see a half-year’s rainfall. It is estimated that April and May will see 650 liters of rain water per square meter, which is almost a 50 percent annual precipitation, and it will have a negative impact on crops,” said Prostran.

There is no doubt that part of the crops planted in the river basins of Kolubara, Drina, and Western and Southern Morava, will suffer great damages, he said, noting that the rainfall is lower in Vojvodina and the crops in this region are coping better with excess moisture for now.

Some farmers in the regions of central and western Serbia will have to sow the same crops for a third time, as a flood wave hit the region less than a month ago, Prostran said, voicing fear that not all farmers will be able to cope with it financially.

Prostran said that this will be a financially devastating year for farmers, adding that it would be good if the government provides them with free seeds and mineral fertilizers.

Corn crops will surely be ruined where there is too much water and in...