Serbia wheat sowing faces delays and rising costs due to drought

Wheat sowing in Serbia is facing significant challenges due to dry soil conditions and a lack of precipitation. Farmers are struggling with difficult land preparation, as dry and cloddy soil is causing damage to machinery, such as disc harrows, and making it difficult to create a proper seedbed.

Experts and agricultural producers indicate that while the recommended sowing period is typically between October 5 and October 25, the current weather conditions may push much of the work into November. While sowing later is possible, there is a risk that plants will not develop strong enough root systems to withstand winter, potentially impacting yields.

Economic pressures are also mounting, with estimates suggesting this year's sowing could be 10–15 percent more expensive than last autumn. Despite these difficulties, total sown areas for autumn crops in Serbia are expected to reach approximately 850,000 hectares, with wheat potentially occupying land previously intended for rapeseed due to the drought.