Kosovo Wheat Farmers Struggle as Prices Plummet

Kosovo farmers are struggling to make ends meet due to low wheat prices. Buik Driton Buyupi, a farmer who has been involved in wheat cultivation for years, says production does not even cover expenses.

Buyupi planted one hectare this year and harvested it, but sold the wheat for just 18 cents per pound. He claims that five tonnes of wheat can be sold for only about 900 euros today, a price drop he attributes to increased production costs and decreased demand.

The situation has created a paradox: while local farmers say it's not profitable to continue production at current prices, Kosovo continues to import large amounts of wheat from Serbia. In fact, the average price of imports has been over twice as expensive as the 17 cents that local farmers mention.

Prime Minister Albin Kurti has visited farmers during the harvest season, touting increased productivity and reduced imports. However, farmers' evidence suggests otherwise: if they continue to reduce crops or abandon grain cultivation, the need to cover consumption through import may increase.