Director of the Subotica Agricultural Expert Service, Damir Varga, emphasized today in an interview with Beta Agency that despite a successful harvest of winter crops following spring drought, ongoing heat waves and high temperatures in the Subotica area are expected to reduce corn yields.
Varga highlighted concerns about future agricultural planning amidst increasingly frequent tropical weather patterns. “Corn thrives in heat due to its deep roots and anatomical resilience, while sunflowers also withstand drought and heat reasonably well, though current conditions may still strain these crops,” he noted.
Reflecting on Subotica’s rainfall patterns, Varga reported a scant 10-20 liters in the city area, projecting an average corn yield of five to six tons per hectare. In contrast, areas like Đurđin benefited from 50 liters of rain, offering slightly better prospects.
“For late-sown corn in late April and early May, there’s significant concern over potential low yields,” Varga cautioned, adding, “Meteorologists are forecasting cooler weather and precipitation this weekend, which could influence outcomes.”
Looking ahead, Varga anticipated a reduced corn acreage in Subotica due to persistent tropical heat. “We face challenges ahead and may shift towards winter crops, including wheat, barley, and rapeseed, despite this year’s rapeseed yield drop. The sunflower market remains depressed due to producer monopolies,” he warned.
Detailing the water needs of corn—100 liters in June, 90 in July, and 90 in August—Varga observed Subotica received approximately 50-60 liters in June and 7-20 liters in July, with another tropical wave expected in August. He also noted concerns about the second generation of pests like the corn borer, which could further impact crop quality.
Varga highlighted irrigation challenges, noting the expense of irrigation systems and underutilization of existing canal networks. “Currently, wells provide irrigation solely for vegetable and fruit crops,” he added, expressing concern over the sustainability of extracting mineral-rich underground water at depths of 120-200 meters, which poses risks to local drinking water supplies.
