011-2012-12-NOA_Raspberries.docx

Photo: Maxhun Shehaj

USAID’s efforts to expand cultivation of raspberries in Kosovo are starting to bear fruit—just ask Muhamet Duka.

The farmer began growing raspberries just two years ago, planting seedlings he purchased on his own. Today, Duka, along with four family members, tends a respectable 0.5 hectares (1.25 acres) of raspberries outside the southern town of Shterpce/Strpce. He is just one of many Kosovo farmers who have added this potentially lucrative crop in recent years, thanks in part to USAID.

“It was the success of other farmers that encouraged me to start this business, as I heard from them how the cultivation of raspberries can generate a great income,” says Duka. A year ago, USAID’s New Opportunities for Agriculture (NOA) project provided Duka with financial and advisory support he then leveraged to expand and improve his raspberry plantings. So far, Duka has been able to sell every last berry he can grow.

USAID has actively promoted new raspberry varieties and cultivation techniques both in southern and northeastern Kosovo. Kosovo is a traditional grower of the luscious, red berries, however its farmers have long planted varieties suitable for freezing or juicing, both low margin uses.

NOA recently introduced four new varieties that produce fruit with a longer shelf life, making them suitable for higher-margin fresh sales, both domestically and abroad.

The burgeoning crop of Kosovo raspberries now being grown with USAID assistance isn’t just rich in fiber and vitamin A. It also has strong job-creation properties.

“We have eleven regular staff employed within the company but during the harvest period the number of employees increases to 30,” says Avni Shabani, of the APC Company located outside the northeastern town of Podujeva/Podujevo. APC began growing raspberries in 2007; in 2012, the NOA client firm sold 40 tons of the fruit, all grown on its 1 hectare (2.5 acre) plantation.

RASPBERRY GROWING PROVES A FRUITFUL ENDEAVOR FOR KOSOVO FARMERS

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