Prime Minister Edi Rama, along with Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Niko Peleshi and Minister of Tourism and Environment, Blendi Klosi lunched at the farmer family of Nderim Marra in Kozare, Kucove, who is a success example in the area and thanks to his work has established five hectares of greenhouses planted with vegetables. Support schemes for the area’s farmers as a village included within “100 villages” programme was discussed during lunch.

Prime Minister Rama encouraged farmers to get together in order to benefit subsidies by the government. “We want to assist only the ones willing to grow not those willing to remain small. Growing through uniting, obtaining more subsidies, not paying VAT and developing,” the Premier said. “The story of Maliq potato which is always a problem and it is crystal clear why, as it has no market possibility, not because we lack the possibility but because there is no market and because of the harsh competition, of Divjake, Kukes and Kosovo. Meanwhile if they plant apples they ensure profit. All orientations are set. We will grant subsidies where orientations are. You are free to divert from orientations. You are willing to experiment, to plant apple trees in Divjake? It is your decision but then do not refer to us. In the meantime, relying on these orientations we are certain to increase exports and it is unquestionable that we have supported the market,” Prime Minister Edi Rama further underlined.

In his part, the mayor of Municipality of Kuçove, Selfo Kapllani said that this area has export potentials, while stressed that it has been worked on the irrigation and drainage system, which has resulted in the increase of greenhouses. “This area here has understood the moment and is oriented to cultures. When we talk about greenhouses, of course nowadays is cultivated for the domestic market, while tomorrow it will be for exports, just like Kutalli area. But the increase in greenhouse surfaces every year is of great importance. People figured out the interest behind. We did a lot of good works on the drainage and irrigation system last year. We have a very good project this year which will be funded by the Ministry of Agriculture,” Kapllani said.