In Charente, only 2 millimeters of water have fallen since June 18. "Barely enough to chase away the dust," said Gérald Le Grelle, an organic poultry farmer based in Pillac, in the south of the department. Located opposite the family farm, a non-irrigated corn field makes it possible to measure the extent of the drought. “The plants should be over 2 meters tall. There, they are at 1.50 meters and the ears are certainly poorly fertilized, poorly formed. I had a potential of 80 quintals, that should ultimately oscillate between 25 and 40 quintals. " Completely autonomous, Gérald Le Grelle relied in part on this production to feed his 12,000 chickens and guinea fowl.“I need the corn to supplement their rations and ensure the rotation of my crops. By adapting their diet, it should pass, but I will not be able to sell the surplus, ” summarizes this operator.
Read also: Corn, a necessary crop for many farmers
His concern is widely shared by the 5,000 farmers settled in Charente, where 16 of the 27 river basins are now
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