Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Andis Salla today shared the story of Mishel Verdha, a 30‑year‑old from Divjakë who has chosen to carry on his family’s farming tradition and is currently preparing seed for the upcoming potato planting season.

Verdha explained that his connection with farming began in childhood, and for about a decade he and his family have continued the activity.

‘I started working in agriculture at an early age. We have been carrying on this process from our parents for around ten years. It was a passion, as we began working when we were very young, and we have continued it ourselves,’ he said.

A key task at present is preparing potato seed. Verdha explained that the seed is carefully selected and followed up for sprouting, while the warehouse also carries out the necessary disinfection processes.

“Here we have the potato seed, which we continue to select and monitor for sprouting. In the warehouse, under normal conditions, we disinfect the seed until it begins to produce shoots,” he said.

For farmers, working the land remains a demanding profession, but at the same time a source of satisfaction, especially when their labour is rewarded with produce.

‘Working in agriculture is very difficult. You spend the whole day in the fields — it is hard work. Yet it is beautiful, an art in itself. When you plant and then see the crop, you feel joy. It is your own hands, your effort and your sweat that the land gives back,’ one farmer said.

For farmers across the country, support has also come through the National Scheme, which provides direct financing, three investment support measures, and nine measures covering livestock, beekeeping, organic farms, biological control, Global G.A.P. certification, cultivated areas, and the repopulation of inland waters.

The investment package includes support for young farmers up to the age of 40, the construction and reconstruction of shepherd shelters, as well as the mechanisation of agriculture.

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