Moldova's Agricultural Readiness: Abundant Hail Rocket Reserves & Procurement Plans
The Republic of Moldova possesses abundant reserves of hail rockets in preparation for the forthcoming agricultural season, as asserted by representatives of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry.
They have emphasised that final inspections are presently underway at the launching stations to ensure operational readiness. Additionally, the country is poised to acquire an additional 2,500 units from Bulgaria at a unit cost of 400 euros.
Vasile Aghenie, deputy director of the 'Anti-Hail Service,' speaking to Radio Moldova, indicated that specialists are currently overseeing the final inspections to activate the hail rocket launch stations. Aghenie further affirmed that Moldova stands equipped for the impending agricultural season, boasting a stock of 5,400 units encompassing both short and long-range capabilities. Furthermore, Aghenie disclosed plans for the procurement of an additional 2,500 devices from Bulgaria.
"We have already registered the contract with the Agency, and tomorrow, we will initiate the submission of documents for import authorization, securing the procurement of 2,500 long-range hail rockets from Bulgaria. In anticipation of uncertain seasonal demands, we have taken proactive measures to secure additional funding. Historically, we have witnessed fluctuating demands, with usage ranging from 4,000 to 7,000 units per annum. For instance, in 2021, approximately 10,000 units were consumed. Should the forthcoming season present similar challenges, our current stock may prove inadequate," elucidated Vasile Aghenie.
Aghenie also underscored that Bulgaria presently serves as the exclusive supplier of hail rockets to Moldova, following the termination of contracts with Moscow due to the conflict in Ukraine.
The pricing structure reveals that short-range rockets command a price of 270 euros each, while long-range variants are priced at 400 euros. Notably, the government has earmarked 20 million lei for the procurement of rockets this fiscal year.
It is pertinent to note that within the Republic of Moldova, there exist 132 designated launching points for hail rockets, distributed across 24 districts.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
