Direct damages from the drought in Semberija amount to 12 million BAM, while indirect damages are estimated at around 30 million. Despite this, a state of natural disaster has not been declared, and the autumn sowing season is approaching. Farmers are demanding support.
The drought has severely impacted this year’s yields, and agricultural producers are calling for help, but authorities remain silent.
“Corn yields in Semberija ranged from 2.5 to 4.5 tons, with some areas reaching 8, but such parcels can be counted on one hand. We are calling on institutions to get involved and figure out what to do next,” said Savo Bakajlic, President of the Association of Farmers of Semberija and Majevica.
The lack of support, farmers say, threatens the autumn sowing season. There are no funds available for food production.
“We cannot survive this way. If the state and the local community do not step in with assistance, we stand firm as an association that a state of natural disaster must be declared. You can see the damages and those millions – otherwise, there will be fewer and fewer of us,” Bakajlic warned.
Out of the past 23 years, 16 have been unfavorable for agriculture due to droughts or extreme rainfall. Experts emphasize that we are living with climate change and must adapt to it.
“There are no grounds, according to experts, to declare a state of natural disaster. The city is prepared to initiate talks with the relevant ministry in the coming days and weeks,” said Ljubisa Petrovic, Mayor of Bijeljina (SDS).
Farmers are expecting support. The autumn sowing season is near, but the production of a strategic crop – bread grain – remains uncertain due to a lack of funds. Additionally, poor agricultural policies have driven more than 10.000 farmers in Semberija to abandon agriculture altogether.
