In Serbia, in the last fifteen years, the area under ponds has been significantly reduced, from the former 12,000 hectares to below 5,000 hectares of ponds today, which indicates a decline in the fishing sector. At the same time, the average annual consumption of fish per capita remains low, amounting to about four kilograms, and the demand only increases during Lent and before the Slavic holidays. Krum Anastasov, president of the Fisheries Group of the Serbian Chamber of Commerce and director of the “Kapetanski rit” pond, emphasizes that the annual production of carp fish has stabilized at around 5,000 tons, while trout has stagnated at 2,500 tons, with a significant part of this fish being imported from countries such as of Turkey, Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Anastasov explains that the fisheries sector in Serbia faces serious challenges, from problems with fish diseases in 2018 and 2019, through the COVID-19 pandemic, to a lack of state support. Many manufacturers closed their businesses due to these problems because they could not make a profit. In addition, the reduction of quotas for the export of marine fish as a result of overfishing and environmental measures further complicates the situation, because the price of this fish, which is already in short supply, is increasing.
Will more ponds boost the sector?
When it comes to domestic production, there are currently only three large ponds in Serbia. These are Kapetanski rit, Sveti Nikola and Sutjeska, and some of them work with reduced capacity. Serbian ponds are technically at a high level compared to European Union countries, such as Hungary, the Czech Republic, Bulgaria and Romania. However, they lag behind in terms of state support and EU funds, which limits the competitiveness of domestic producers. For example, the subsidy in Serbia amounts to ten dinars per kilogram of edible fish. This is disproportionate to the average price of 500 dinars and the value added tax (VAT) of ten percent. With additional costs such as high water management obligations and the absence of fuel rebates, Serbian producers are at a financial disadvantage compared to their EU competitors.
The prices of fish for festive tables generally do not increase, even though this is the period when the demand is the highest. The retail price of carp ranges between 650 and 700 dinars per kilogram, while trout is slightly more expensive. Large trading systems lower prices during periods of high demand to win over customers, which, according to Anastasov, is an unusual trend that puts additional pressure on producers.
One of the biggest problems of domestic fisheries is the theft of fish. Krivoribolov, according to estimates, causes losses of 1.5 to 2 million euros per year. In order for the fish to enter the market, it must pass strict controls. But unauthorized sales, such as selling fish from ponds in rural areas without the necessary documentation, are a significant problem. And that problem requires the prompt attention of competent institutions.
Let’s take into account all the difficulties faced by Serbian fisheries. Consider the decline in production, lack of support and problems with illegal trade. With all that, the fisheries sector in Serbia requires comprehensive reforms, and urgently. This is the only way to ensure sustainability and competitiveness on the domestic and foreign markets.
Source: AgroTV
Source: boljazemlja.com
