AgriMin Constantin: Possible dialogue with EC on compensations for drought-hit farmers

Romanian farmers could receive compensations from the state budget this year, to the extent to which the drought damages the crops, unless the European Commission rejects this measure, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Daniel Constantin, informed on Monday.

'We are ready to discuss with the European Commission about possible compensations to farmers, to be granted not only from European funds, but especially from the state budget, since we need its approval first to go on with this measure, for this is a state aid we are talking about. However, for now, we just need to assess the possible damages,' the Minister said.

He also explained that he requested the agriculture directorates to conduct an assessment of the agricultural areas affected by the drought, with the Moldavian area being the most severely hit so far.

'We've tried ever since 2012 to cut down costs for one cubic metre of water used in agriculture and also the costs for energy and we are also trying these days to create another facility when it comes to the price and stimulate as many farmers as possible to use irrigation,' the Minister of Agriculture said.

On the other hand, Constantin specified that he will also ensure that the irrigation ditches will be filled for those farmers who have access to this infrastructure and want to use it.

The Minister refused to make public the data regarding the agricultural areas damaged by the drought, in order not to influence the price for agricultural products. He also added that he will publish such data 'at the right time (...), in accordance with market rules.'

According to data the MADR made available for AGERPRES, the agricultural area that was actually irrigated nationwide until now measures 46,000...