Bulgaria's 2011 Wheat Production Surpasses Expectations

Bulgaria's agriculture sector has achieved a higher wheat yield in 2011 than was originally expected, according to Agriculture Ministry data.

As the harvesting campaign around the country is wrapping up, with 99.4% of the plots already harvested, initial data shows that a total of 4.25 million metric tons of wheat have been produced in 2011. The average yield per decare is 409 kg, compared with 360 kg in 2010.

This is an increase compared with 2010 when Bulgaria's wheat output was 4.09 million metric tons, according to final data.

However, this year Bulgaria has produced 30% more high-quality wheat that is suitable for bread, reaching 53% of the total yield, according to Bulgaria's National Grain Service.

Northeastern Bulgaria and especially Bulgaria's main grain-producing region Dobrudzha boast the highest yields regionally.

The District of Dobrich has produced 525 000 metric tons of wheat, the District of Pleven – 390 000 metric tons, the District of Veliko Tarnovo – 256 000 metric tons, the District of Varna – 252 000 metric tons, the District of Ruse – 250 000 metric tons.

The District of Silistra has the highest yields – 489 kg per decare, Dobrich – 472 kg per decare, Razgrad – 465 kg per decare, Pleven – 464 kg per decare, Varna – 411 kg per decare, Ruse – 439 kg per decare, Targovishte – 415 kg, Vratsa – 406 kg, Veliko Tarnovo – 404 kg.