Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Frida Krifca said today during a briefing after the government meeting that, “In the conditions of the large and dynamic change in the price of wheat and the decision to ban its export from many countries, the government has followed closely the situation of wheat production in the country and the regular supply of wheat in the coming weeks and months”.

“I can report that this year’s wheat production in the country has been at its historical rates, managing to produce approximately 225 thousand tons of wheat in the country, or half of the amount we consume,” said the minister.

Krifca stated that by the decision approved today, the Albanian Government has set for the first time a fund of 500 million lekë aimed at increasing the amount of wheat produced in the country.

Through this measure, wheat growers with an area of ​​more than 1 ha, who are also the main producers entering the market, will benefit from a support of 30,000 thousand lekë per hectare.

“About 7,300 farmers will benefit from this scheme and through it we intend to increase the area cultivated with wheat in the country by 17,000 ha, aiming to bring the cultivated area with wheat for the coming year to 70,000 ha in total.

“Through this support scheme, we intend to double the production of wheat in the country that is produced for trading from 60 thousand tons to 120 thousand tons. All the measures taken together, the oil support, the special scheme for increasing the planted area with wheat and the commitment to the free functioning of the wheat supply market in the countries of the Open Balkans significantly strengthen the country’s resistance to any shock of the wheat supply chain as a result of the war”, concluded Krifca. /j.p/p.s./

The funds of the National Scheme provide the subsidy with 1 thousand Lek per hive for farms that have not less than 50 hives. The reduction of this number from 100 to 50 hives has been done in the last two years as a measure in support of promoting the development of this activity and expanding the number of beneficiary beekeepers.

Beekeeping in Albania has an early tradition. Honey produced in our country is known for its curative qualities and high nutritional values ​​due to the nature and climate of our country.

The Agency for Agricultural and Rural Development (ARDA) said that the number of beekeepers who received subsidies in 2020 has increased to 1458 farmers compared to 275 beneficiary beekeepers recorded in 2013.

Meanwhile, over 70% of 1458 beekeepers, are beneficiaries for more than twice in a row of National Support Schemes in Agriculture in recent years and have the opportunity to benefit again in the scheme of 2021. /j.p/p.s./