Critical situation in Bulgarian agriculture – mass damage by enemies threatens the future of fruit growing. Entire gardens are uprooted.
The Branch Chamber of Fruits and Vegetables issued an alarm about this. According to the producers, cherries, sour cherries, plums and apricots are among the most affected crops, and in some regions the damage has already reached an irreparable 100%.
According to them, this is not only an ecological, but also an economic catastrophe that threatens the future of the entire sector.
Next year there will probably be no peaches, cherries and plums because the entire crop has been destroyed by a pest called the black blight.
“Somewhere from August, the black beetle lays its larvae, which later begin to gnaw the tree’s stem. In the warm part of the year, it gnaws the top of the tree, and when it gets cold, it goes down to the roots to seek warmth,” they say.
“The tree begins to molt, its leaves turn pale green, the fruits mummify,” says Kosta Petrov, who is the chairman of the branch in Sliven.
Vasil Radulov is a producer from the Novozagorsk region with a garden of about 100 decares, of which only 20 decares are left.
“The losses are huge. We are farmers, we want to continue to do business, but this garden can no longer recover,” he says.
Another producer from the area – Ivan Zhelyazkov from the village of Trapoklowow says that his garden also fell victim to the black gold.
“There were two or three such worms on a tree. Now I renewed the whole garden - it is 10 decares. That’s about 700 trees, I had to replace them all. But it’s not just about the number of trees, it’s not just about the price, it’s more work, the care itself. It’s all because of the drought and the warm weather, I think,” he says.
“The state of the sector is in an extremely serious collapse. Along with the serious climatic cataclysms we have been experiencing in recent years and market shocks, Bulgarian fruit and vegetable producers are facing bankruptcy. The probability of losing Bulgarian fruits is extremely serious,” says Tsvetan Tsekov, chairman of the “Fruits and Vegetables” Branch Chamber.
“This insecticide (the black fly) has also been slowly and methodically destroying Bulgarian gardens for the last few years. In certain areas we have over 50% garden losses. The solution is complex – the state should intervene, the BFSA should examine the situation and concrete measures should be taken,” he further explained.
According to him, preparations should be provided to farmers that naturally protect trees without contaminating with heavy chemicals, writes bTV.
The Branch has reported to the Ministry of Agriculture and is awaiting a response.
What are the primary causes of the black blight pest in Bulgarian agriculture?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Agricultural Expert on the Crisis in Bulgarian Agriculture
Time.news Editor (TNE): Good morning, and thank you for joining us today. We are facing a critical situation in Bulgarian agriculture, particularly in fruit growing. The recent reports indicate mass damage due to a pest known as the black blight. Can you provide some insight into what this pest is and the extent of the damage?
Agricultural Expert (AE): Good morning, and thank you for having me. Yes, the black blight has become a significant threat to fruit crops across Bulgaria. This pest primarily targets cherries, sour cherries, plums, and apricots, leading to devastating losses. In some regions, we’ve seen damage escalate to a staggering 100%, essentially eradicating entire gardens and leaving producers in dire straits.
TNE: That’s alarming. Can you explain how the black blight operates and why it’s so destructive?
AE: Absolutely. The black beetle is particularly insidious. Starting in August, it lays its larvae, which then begin to damage the tree by gnawing at the stem. During warmer months, the beetles target the tops of the trees; as it gets colder, they move down to the roots seeking warmth. This dual approach causes progressive weakening of the tree—its leaves become pale, and the fruits eventually mummify, rendering them unharvestable.
TNE: We’ve heard from several producers, like Vasil Radulov, whose personal losses encapsulate this economic threat. What does this mean for the future of these farmers and the sector as a whole?
AE: The implications are severe. Many farmers like Mr. Radulov have seen their livelihoods devastated. With entire gardens rendered incapable of recovery, the economic fallout isn’t just immediate—it threatens the sustainability of the entire fruit sector. If this trend continues, we might face a shortage in peaches, cherries, and plums next year, which will not only affect local markets but could also disrupt supply chains nationally.
TNE: That paints a dire picture. Given this situation, what steps are being discussed or implemented to combat the black blight and support affected farmers?
AE: Currently, there are calls for urgent measures. Some advocates urge the government to step in with assistance programs for affected farmers, including financial aid, pest management training, and potentially funding for research into more resilient crop varieties. There’s also a strong emphasis on integrated pest management strategies that could help curb the black blight’s spread and mitigate its impact.
TNE: Are there any long-term solutions that could help prevent such catastrophes in the future?
AE: Certainly. In the long term, investing in sustainable agricultural practices is key. This includes crop rotation, better pest monitoring systems, and utilizing organic methods that can help maintain pest populations at manageable levels. Education and awareness are crucial as well. Farmers need to be informed about early signs of pest infestations so they can act quickly.
TNE: Before we conclude, what message do you have for the farmers currently battling these challenges?
AE: It’s important for them to stay resilient. While the current situation is dire, support networks among farmers, agricultural organizations, and the government can pave the way for recovery. Together, they can share resources, knowledge, and ultimately work towards rebuilding and fortifying the sector against future threats.
TNE: Thank you for your insights today. We hope to see positive developments in this situation and support for the diligent farmers of Bulgaria.
AE: Thank you for bringing attention to this important issue. It is crucial that we all work together for the future of Bulgarian agriculture.