© Didier Weber (RTL)
Luxembourgish farmers fear that the lack of precipitation over the last few months may result in a catastrophic harvest this year.
The first two spring months of the year were exceptionally dry. The north of the Grand Duchy recorded a 50% decrease in rain, which has major implications for the agricultural sector.
Our colleagues from RTL spoke to climatologist Andrew Ferrone, who explained that springtime precipitation has been falling for a number of years, while temperatures have been rising.
This leads to more droughts, Ferrone said, adding: "Wind also contributes to the fast evaporation of water on the fields." He further explained that the coming two weeks will be critical in determining whether or not this year's harvest will turn into a catastrophe.
Farmer Kristof Baltes expressed relief that last year's harvest was positive, which means that no additional fodder stocks have had to be purchased.
Nevertheless, the situation shows that Luxembourg's agricultural sector has to diversify: "We cannot continue putting all of our eggs in the same basket. We have to find ways to use plants and crops that are less dependent on water."
The Administration of Technical Agriculture Services (ASTA) is currently running tests to establish which alternative crops can be produced with less water.
Ferrone elaborated: "We are looking at more resistent types. Millet and soy are potential alternatives that we could start cultivating in a long-term manner."
Baltes expressed doubts that a readjustment of the sector would be easy, and noted that it would not be possible without support.
Video report in Luxembourgish
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