Mati is a farmer who through hard work and less talk has succeeded not only to make a life and a living for himself and his family from his farm, but also employ several other people. Prime Minister Edi Rama, accompanied by the Director of the Agricultural and Rural Development Agency Frida Krifca, visited the tomato greenhouse built by Mati in the village of Thumane, who is now planning another greenhouse successful expansion also thanks to the support and collaboration with the government support programs through ARDA.
“These workers have been all affected by the earthquake and they are currently working in this greenhouse. They are currently growing a sort of industrial tomato variety and the entire produce is already sold under a commercial contract,” ARDA Director said.
Kujtim is another entrepreneur who plans to build an agricultural collection and storage facility in this farm. “Kujtim is an applicant for funds under the IPARD program, who plans to build a collection and storage point. He has established contacts with tomato processing factories in Foggia, Italy, and, based on the contract terms, Kujtim imports the seedling, whereas Mati is in charge of planting and growing tomatoes and the whole product is sold in advance in Italy for the ‘semidry’ processing. Yet, the 1.5-ha greenhouse cannot meet the contract terms and Kujtim needs to expand greenhouse area to around 10 hectares. The same goes for Mati as both are seeking to sign new contracts and expand their activity,” Krifca said.
“We are mulling expansion plans as it is widely thought that no greenhouses are built in the country’s north, but we cannot afford leaving agricultural land wild and uncultivated,” Mati said.
The yield of greenhouse seedlings is among the highest possible, with about 8-9 kilograms per plant.
“Grafted seedlings are imported in order to increase yield. Each plant produces around 8 to 9 kilos of tomatoes, the highest possible yield in a greenhouse,” Kujtim said.
On his part, Prime Minister Rama pointed out to the government’s unreserved financial support for anyone with ideas and investment plans. Rama pointed out that “based on figures and facts we are seeing how the mindset is changing towards breaking down the terrible barrier ‘everyone on their own plots.”
