Romania's vegetable and fruit production will be 40 percent lower this year because of the drought and of already existing financial problems, according to Mircea Croitoru, president of the Fruits and Vegetables Producers' Association Matca, quoted by Agerpres.

This year's lack of rain only came on top of already existing financial problems, as many farmers decided to stop their activity, after not being able to cover their expenses, while the country's Agriculture Ministry stopped supporting them financially.

The drought affected the production of all types of fruits, especially apples and plums, while vegetables cultivated in the field were almost entirely destroyed. Those grown in greenhouses are in a better shape, according to CRoitoru. Eggplants and peppers grown in the field had their leaves burned because of the drought. The cabbage crop however is in a good shape and it will enjoy a higher production, hence a good price in fall.

Romania's vegetable production in 2011 was of 4 million tonnes, an increase of 6 percent on 2010. The production increased for tomatoes last year – up 14 percent, carrots – up 11 percent, onions – an increase of 7 percent, cabbage – u0 4.5 percent, to a ton. In Romania, vegetables are grown on 258,000 hectares.

editor@romania-insider.com

(photo source: sxc.hu)