Heat Expected to Reduce Harvest, Says PM

Prime Minister Robert Fico (Smer-SD) says this year's extreme heat and drought are expected to reduce Slovakia's harvest, although it is still too early to assess the overall impact as harvesting has only just begun. Speaking during a visit to a farm near Senec, Fico said regional differences are likely to be significant and warned that farmers are also concerned about the quantity and quality of animal feed. He pledged to oppose any cuts to EU agricultural funding and announced plans to support investment in irrigation systems through a public-private partnership. According to the Slovak Agriculture and Food Chamber, yields of wheat, barley and rapeseed are expected to be lower than last year, with some regions already reporting losses of up to 50 percent.