Heat and drought threaten Poland’s major crop harvest

Poland has been experiencing prolonged heat and almost a month without significant rainfall, putting increasing pressure on the country’s agricultural sector. The eastern regions have been hit particularly hard, with farmers warning that just one week of extreme temperatures has jeopardized the results of an entire growing season.

According to farmers, the heat is drying grain prematurely, reducing both kernel weight and quality. This could lower wheat yields, weaken milling quality, and reduce market prices. Even irrigation systems have limited effectiveness under such extreme weather conditions.

Experts from Poland’s Institute of Meteorology and Water Management say that most crops grown in the country are not adapted to prolonged heatwaves. Thunderstorms have provided little relief, as the overly dry soil is unable to absorb large amounts of water, leading to surface runoff instead of replenishing soil moisture.

Preliminary estimates suggest that losses of winter wheat and rapeseed crops in Poland could reach at least 10% this season. If adequate rainfall does not arrive soon, the negative impact of heat and drought is also expected to spread to spring grain and oilseed crops. Experts warn that extreme heatwaves are likely to become more frequent, increasing risks for Polish agriculture.

Tags: grain, Poland, oilseeds, drought, crop condition