TIRANA, Sept 11 /ATA/ During the annual “Maize Field Day” fair, the Agricultural Technology Transfer Center (QTTB) in Shkodra showcased 52 hybrid maize seed varieties, providing farmers with new options tailored to the region’s ecological conditions and characterized by high yield potential.
This event aims to inform farmers about innovations in seed technology and to promote the use of more resilient and higher-yielding hybrids, at a time when the demand for maize in the region is increasing significantly.
“This year’s weather, marked by an extended drought, has significantly affected the region’s major maize producers — notably Serbia, Romania, and Bulgaria — all currently facing shortages. As a result, demand for maize is exceptionally high, driving the farmgate price up to 33–35 lek per kilogram. This marks a very encouraging trend for farmers,” said Kostandin Hajkola, Director of the QTTB Department in Shkodra.
Agricultural experts note that the current market conditions are motivating farmers to expand maize cultivation, viewing it as a viable and sustainable economic opportunity.
Currently, the Shkodra district ranks among the regions with the highest maize yield in the country, with over 5,000 hectares of cultivated land.
Along with the new hybrids, native maize varieties are gaining more recognition due to their adaptability to the local climate and soil, and farmers are increasingly appreciating them for their quality and productivity.
“Maize Field Day” continues to be a key event in the agricultural calendar, playing a vital role in disseminating knowledge, boosting productivity, and strengthening the connection between scientific research and practical farming. /j.p/sm/
