Bosnia and Herzegovina farmers face major losses from drought

Extreme heat and prolonged drought are causing significant agricultural losses across Bosnia and Herzegovina, particularly affecting corn crops. Farmers in regions such as Semberija report that high temperatures and dry winds have severely damaged yields and reduced the quality of crops, which could lead to shortages in livestock feed and higher food prices.

In addition to crop damage, the heatwave is impacting livestock production by reducing milk yields and increasing the demand for water. Farmers are calling for the official declaration of an elementary disaster to secure government assistance. Nedžad Bićo, president of the Association of Farmers of the Federation of BiH, warned that production costs have risen due to expensive seeds, fertilizer, and fuel, and estimated that food prices could rise by more than 20 percent.

While Federal Minister of Agriculture Kemal Hrnjić has expressed optimism regarding food price stability, agricultural representatives argue that bureaucratic hurdles are delaying necessary aid. The drought has also affected major corn exporters like France and Germany, potentially increasing the cost of grain imports for the country.