Chemical fertilizers used for olives and grapes range from 9,500 to 12,000 lek per quintal. Added to this, the high price of oil for mechanical work, the cost is becoming unaffordable for farmers.
We stopped in Divjaka, where olive cultivation occupies a large area with 450,000 roots.
Farmers say that the prices of phosphorus have increased by 23%, nitrogen by 18% and potash by 8%, compared to a month ago. In the conditions of survival, the farmers of Divjaka and those of Lushnja are requesting state intervention with subsidies.
"I bought DAP for 10 thousand (new) lek per quintal. They also told us that we won't get oil this year. So what will we work with?
"We have not sold our brandy and olive oil, while prices are increasing every day due to inputs. We have very high production costs. We are asking for help from the state," said farmers Bajram Blliku and Ferdinand Nebillari.
Agricultural specialists blame the increase in prices on the international stock exchange, however, one aid measure suggested for the state is: VAT compensation for agricultural inputs. This would directly impact the reduction of production costs for all agricultural crops.
shqiptarja.com
Editorial
