The grapes planted in the fields and hills were damaged by this year’s unfavorable weather, but the greenhouses are full of table grapes.

The local farmers in Lushnja say that this is the best year in viticulture, due to the fact that the production is not only being sold, but also the price is higher.

“From 120 to 150 ALL per kilogram is the current demand in the wholesale market and the quality is in the right parameters”, they say.

Agricultural specialists say that, this year, vineyard producers have increased the volume of work to fight diseases that affect the planted areas.

According to agronomist Beshir Sina, the farmers have had a lot of expenses and done manual work, but it is already paying off with sales.

Grapes for table consumption are being sold in bulk. The Allkaj area in Lushnja has over 200 ha of vineyards in greenhouses and every year the areas are being increased with varieties for daily consumption.

Currently, this year’s production is being sold at over 100 ALL per kg and the amount that is not harvested yet will supply the local market until December for the New Year.

The domestic production of grapes, now also in the greenhouses, is dominating more and more, not only in the supply of the domestic market, but also in exports.

Thanks to the support of the Agency for Rural and Agriculture Development, through the IPARD program, the farmers have expanded investments in vineyard plantations. They are also adding greenhouses for the cultivation of table grapes, significantly increasing production and doubling grape exports.

With support from the IPARD II program, they have invested in improving technology through the use of agricultural machinery, increasing production and significantly improving the standards of grape seedlings.

Today, “Made in Albania” grapes go to supermarkets in Europe, thanks to a well-organized chain of farmers – processors – sellers.

Over 11,000 hectares of vineyards spread throughout the territory, have made it possible for the annual production of viticulture in Albania, including pergolas, to reach about 190,000 tons of grapes.

While in recent years, the cultivation of table grapes in greenhouses has also started, which ensures early production and high yield.

The main grape production areas are located between the hills and the coast of Central Albania. Fieri, Berati, Elbasan and Vlora are the regions with the largest percentage of production; these four regions provide more than half of the domestic production of grapes.

Grapes produced in greenhouses of the first quality are sold mainly in Kosovo, Croatia, Romania, Slovenia, Serbia and Montenegro.

Meanwhile, imports have decreased significantly from year to year./r.e/p.s./

Farmers in Fier and Lushnje are involved in large scale greenhouse cultivation of grape, a highly-sought fruit in the international markets.

Deputy Prime Minister Erion Braçe said Thursday that Albania’s grape export is already underway with the practice of greenhouse cultivation of grapes in the country.

“I am told that Montenegrin customs officials do not believe that Albania grows grape during this season of the year. But this is true. This is happening in Myzeqe, where grape is being cultivated in greenhouses,” Braçe said.

Albania exports top quality grape to Kosovo, Croatia, Romania, Slovenia, Serbia and Montenegro.

/u.sh/