Up to 30% of Rice, 50% of Corn Crops Damaged in Italy due to Drought, Heat

Italy is suffering from its worst drought in 70 years, in addition to the severe heat wave that has affected  the country since the beginning of the summer last June, which has severely damaged agricultural crops, especially rice, which is subject to a 30% decline in the crop by the end of the year.

Italy's El Messaggero newspaper said several of the worst-hit rice fields are in the regions of Lombardy and Piedmont, which together produce about 90% of Italian rice.

Italy is the largest producer of rice in the European Union, accounting for more than half of its total production.

Italian rice importers will certainly feel the pressure after production cuts due to drought and rising temperatures, as the rice crop needs abundant water.

The newspaper pointed out that corn is also one of the crops that have been severely damaged as a result of the drought that hits Italy, where the corn harvest has fallen by 50%, in addition to a significant decrease in summer fruits, vegetables and dairy products.