July 21, 2011

Bulgarian corn may show steepest price rise in 2011

Among cereals, the price of Bulgarian corn may show the steepest rise this year, considering the strong demand on emerging markets, and especially in China, Assoc. Prof. Dr Dimitrina Ilchovska, Director of the Institute of corn in Knezha, said.

She sees an upward trend in the areas put under corn in Bulgaria and a steady increase in the production of this crop. According to preliminary figures of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food, 375,392.9 ha were planted with corn in 2011, up by some 30,000 ha from previous years. The average yield in 2010 was 6,241 kg/ha, compared to 4,700 kg/ha in 2009. At present the crop is in a very good condition, but from now on irrigation will be crucial.

In spring 2011, the Institute of corn launched seeds for two new cultivars, certified by the Patent Office of Bulgaria in 2010: Knezha 435 and Knezha 442, which are mid-ripening (FAO 400-499), harvested with a standard moisture content, and do not need additional drying.

Hybrid fields with Knezha 307 and Knezha 2su have been set for the first year. The latter is a new, original, single cross sweet corn hybrid with excellent taste.