Late autumn sowing in Shtip — 80–90% of fields not plowed, farmers say

Farmers in the Shtip region say the autumn sowing of cereal crops has been delayed because of persistent drought, and report that roughly 80–90% of fields remain unplowed ahead of barley and wheat planting.

"We don't remember a year like this. There are no rains and almost 80 to 90% of the areas are not plowed. And after the harvest we couldn't plow them either and then the summer was dry," said Goce Serafimovski, vice president of the Association of Farmers.

Producers also point to rising input costs — notably diesel and synthetic fertilizers — which have pushed up production expenses for sowing preparations. Farmers estimate that preparing one decare will cost about 1,500 denars, a sum many consider uneconomical under current conditions.

Calls for support and a short window of hope

Serafimovski said farmers are in contact with the relevant ministry and will request assistance through the ministry's intervention fund if needed. The Association is preparing to document losses and lobby for emergency aid should rains fail to arrive soon.

Nationwide, Macedonian farmers sow about 85% of cereal areas in autumn to secure higher yields; those in Shtip say they are hoping for rain over the coming weekend that would allow tractors back into the fields and avoid a more prolonged delay.

Photo: press material from the event