Scientific – expert conference ‘Impacts of Drought on Agriculture in the Republic of Serbia’

The scientific-expert conference titled ’Impacts of Drought on Agriculture in the Republic of Serbia’ is to be held on Tuesday, 29 April, at 10 a.m. at the SASA Grand Hall.

The year of 2024 will go down in history as the one with high temperatures and the absence of rainfall during summer. As a result, field crop yields were significantly reduced, while fruit and vegetable cultivation also experienced substantial damage. The consequences were observed in animal husbandry.

As highlighted in the conference statement, it is essential to prepare for the possibility of similar dry conditions in the years ahead. In response, reionisation should be adapted, i.e. emphasis should be put on expanding the share of winter crops and adjusting current agricultural practices. Also, cultivating drought-tolerant genotypes and organising the earliest possible sowing of spring crops should be insisted upon. Irrigation must take a central role in future agricultural strategies. It is necessary to adopt a comprehensive, long-term plan to increase the area under irrigation and to initiate the construction of water reservoirs throughout Serbia. These would collect autumn and winter precipitation and redirect river and stream water into newly developed storage systems.

A live stream of the event is available at  LIVE STREAMING