In the fields of Albania, it is not only water, land or labor that are lacking. Vision is missing. One that is not built with piecemeal aid, but with big, bold plans. This is what Prime Minister Rama is asking for today, as he has decided to speak to agriculture "without gloves".
"I see it more... starting from what the High Commissioner said, that next week the last group-chapter regarding agriculture opens. So, chapter 11 on rural development, chapter 12 on food security and chapter 13 on fisheries," Ilir Pilku, an expert on economics, tells A2 CNN.
The model required is no longer that of bags of fertilizer or cans of oil distributed by municipalities, but that of guarantees, partnerships, serious financing that brings technology and markets. And to have signals for change, municipalities are required to be closer to Albanian farmers and livestock farmers.
"Another very important point is agricultural advisory services. It is another element of IPARD, according to which the municipalities themselves, based on the 2010 scheme, have the right to their own support for advisory services. And this needs to be formatted. The third scheme, which is worth 16 million dollars, is that of rural support," says Pilku.
Europe is ready to open its doors to Albanian agriculture – but on one condition: security, standards and real advice for farmers, not papers that remain in a drawer. “The biggest problem and the biggest issue, which may take longer than 2030, is food security. I think that with the renegotiation with Brussels and DG Agri, the IPARD issue will be resolved,” says Pilku.
In a world where the challenges of agriculture are greater than ever, Albania does not have the luxury of remaining passive. It is time to build bridges of cooperation, not simply to distribute temporary aid. Through guarantees, technology and real advice, agriculture can become an engine of development, not only for the small farmer, but for the entire national economy. Because a strong agriculture is not just about production; it is a guarantee for the future. (A2 Televizion)
A2 CNN Livestream
MUND TE LEXONI GJITHASHTU
