Bulgarian Sunseed Harvest Declines

SOFIA - Aug 10/04 - SNS -- Sunflower production in Bulgaria is expected to drop from last year's record 720,000 metric ton (MT) harvest to around 620,000 MT as seeded area returns to a more normal level.

In 2003-04, total planted area for sunflower seed was estimated at 624,000 hectares and harvested area at 610,000 hectares, reports the U.S. agricultural attache here.

"The main reason for the increase in area was re-ploughing of the fall crops, especially barley, die to winter kill," the agricultural attache said in a report on the country's oilseed industry. "Another factor was relatively stable ex-farm and export prices and good export opportunities. As a result, sunflower area in 2003-04 increased 42% (50% according to other sources)."

On the other hand, average yields were lower compared to the previous season, 118 MT per hectare in 2003-04 compared to 134 MT per hectare in 2002-03. The major reason for this decline were drought during July-August' 03. Thus, total sunflower production was 24% higher, especially in north-east region and north-central region. Average yields in 2003-04 were higher only in north-west region.

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