Cherry growers in the area of Kasnica, Belishov and Drenova in the fields of Mallakastra in the south of Albania, experienced a difficult season in front of the adverse weather conditions.
Farmer Fatmir Xhafaj has a plantation of more than 400 cherry trees, but today he is facing the lack of production due to the cold and wet weather, as well as the hail that damaged their crops.
“The previous years we had abundant production and a market to sell the entire amount, while today there is no production and we are trying to harvest the few fruits left to cover at least the expenses for the services performed throughout the year.
Last year we reached 60-70 quintals, and this year we doubt we will reach 2-3 quintals. Under these conditions, we ask for the help of the state to assess our damage.” – said farmer Fatmir Xhafaj.
The farmer’s son says that even though they have benefited from subsidies for free oil, this does not cover the expenses.
Olives, cherries and vineyards are crops that provide income for the families of this region. In the market of Fier, a kilogram of cherries costs on average 550 lek and farmers say that given the lack of production, they do not believe the price will fall as quickly as in other years.
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