USAID Provides Drought Relief for Moldova’s Farmers
Drought-stricken farmers across Moldova received critically needed seeds for fall planting as part of immediate USAID assistance valued at $350,000 to help alleviate the consequences of this summer’s drought on small-scale growers.
 |
| The summer drought has ravaged the landscape, where sunflowers are typically in full yellow bloom this time of year |
A recent assessment by the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and World Food Program (WFP) identified the need for cereal seeds (mostly wheat, barley, and rye) as the most pressing need in drought-stricken areas. In response, USAID’s Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance provided $250,000 in assistance and USAID/Moldova’s Agribusiness Development Project allocated $100,000 in project funds to purchase and deliver seeds to Moldovan farmers.
A ceremony marking the beginning of the seed distribution took place at Peresecina village on September 14, 2007. U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Kelly A. Keiderling noted, “Small-scale farmers have been hardest hit by the drought. Not only have they lost their crops, but they also lack sufficient money or access to credit to purchase new seeds for the fall planting.” Thanks to USAID, approximately 1,000 small growers will receive 618 tons of winter wheat and barley seeds.
Extremely high temperatures and minimal rainfall during the 2007 summer have led to widespread drought conditions in 28 of Moldova’s 32 raions (regions). According to the FAO/WFP assessment, 84 percent of Moldova’s arable land is affected by the drought and the cost of lost cereal crops is nearly 300 million euros. Total losses across all agriculture and food sectors, excluding viticulture, are estimated at approximately $1billion.
Back to Top ^ |
