Kosovo farms recovering from war
16 June 2000
Kosovo farms recovering from war
UNEXPLODED bombs, anthrax and missing tractor parts are just some of the problems facing farmers in Kosovo, reported BBC Radio 4.
But since the war ended last year there have been many improvements for the farmers who make up 60% of the population, said the Farming Today programme.
A year ago nothing was being cultivated because the war had started at planting time, but now many vegetables and cereals are growing.
The Food and Agriculture Organisation, which has provided wheat seed to farmers, is optimistic about the future.
Cereal yields should be around 2.75t/ha, lower than the average 3-3.5t. But the FAO thinks this bodes well for coming years.
FAO officials have been working to supply seed potatoes, regenerate forestry and vaccinate thousands of sheep and goats against anthrax and rabies.
But vets say an ongoing vaccination programme is needed to build on this work and help rebuild Kosovos agricultural sector.
A voucher scheme is also under way to allow farmers to repair tractors using local suppliers or mechanics, providing a boost to the local economy.
But once machinery is started up there is the problem of mines and bombs on farming land to be dealt with.
The UK government department for international development is funding mine clearance to get land back under tillage.
Meanwhile, Serbian villagers have left land uncultivated for fear of gun attacks, and some isolated villages have been overlooked by relief agencies.
- Farming battle continues in Kosovo, FWi, 21 October, 1999
- Grapes rotting on the vine in Kosovo, FWi, 23 June, 1999
- Kosovo crisis wrecks farming, FWi, 20 April, 1999
- War cripples farming in Kosovo, FWi, 16 April, 1999