The lands have remained barren, last year more than 335 thousand tons of grain were imported

Due to barren lands, grain was imported from abroad like never before last year. Despite being at negligible levels, Albania managed to export 152 tons of wheat and corn last year, worth 24 million lek.

Mainly wheat and corn, to make bread or pasta... last year, more than 335 thousand tons of grain were imported. The amount of grain imported in 2024 increased by more than 48 thousand tons compared to 2023.

"The increase in imports is due to the lack of domestic production. We have reforms, but no concrete acts. There is no funding for agriculture," said Zef Gjeta, a lecturer on agriculture.

Changes in the geography of foreign trade, reduced transportation costs, and the strengthening of the lek made the price of imported grain lower. Although almost 50 thousand tons more wheat and corn were imported, the value paid for their purchase was almost the same as in 2023, a year in which about 10 billion lek were spent.

"Now the grain is mainly coming from Serbia. Previously it came from Russia and Romania. The costs are consequently lower," emphasized Andi Haxhiymeri, a company administrator.

Despite being at negligible levels, Albania managed to export 152 tons of grain worth 24 million lek last year. Compared to 2023, a year in which domestic production was good, exports shrank by over 4 times.

"Everywhere in the world, wheat production is subsidized. In Serbia, Canada, France, etc., wheat production is subsidized. The farmer cannot take over the entire process," Haxhiymeri added.

"Our state has failed in terms of subsidies, so we are in this situation where we do not produce, but import," added Gjeta.

Including fields, gardens, meadows, lawns, pastures or swamps, there are around 875 thousand hectares of land in Albania. Of this, the area containing humus and minerals, in other words agricultural land, is estimated at almost 700 thousand hectares.

But from year to year, the area planted with wheat, corn, oats, barley or other agricultural crops is shrinking, while the area of ​​barren land is expanding. (A2 Televizion)