Plums, often called the “blue treasure”, will not bring significant profit to fruit growers in the Valjevo area this year due to the low purchase price, which ranges between 20 and 30 dinars per kilogram, usually around 23 or 24 dinars. Such a price does not promise to cover the basic costs of production, let alone make a profit. At the recently held Plum Fair in Osečina, fruit growers pointed out this problem, pointing out that many will barely cover the costs of harvesting.
Source: Serbia in the frame
Branko Ivković, a producer from Gornji Crniljev, pointed out that this year’s crop was excellent, despite less damage from hail and drought, but that the low price does not allow for profit. He emphasizes that the real purchase price should be at least 40 dinars per kilogram, which would enable costs to be covered and profit to be made. However, Ivković does not plan to reduce the plantings, in the hope that the next year will bring a better price.
On the other hand, Živojin Pavlović from Sirdia faced serious damage to his crops this year. The city destroyed almost the entire crop on its 2.8 hectares of plums of the Stanley and Burner varieties, and will barely collect enough to make brandy. Last year frost cut his yield in half, and this year the hail decimated what was left. Pavlović hopes that a state subsidy in the form of seedlings could help him restore his plantations.
How does a plum hold up?
According to experts, this year’s plum crop in the area of the Kolubara administrative district is at the average level or slightly above. As they state, orchards yield from six to 6.5 tons per hectare, while intensive plantings yield up to 15 tons per hectare. Fruit quality is good, despite adverse conditions such as early vegetation, low temperatures during flowering, damage from hail and drought. Srđan Stanojlović, a consultant for fruit growing, estimates that the market price of plums is below any level, but that experts do not have the ability to influence market conditions.
Jovan Milinković, also a counselor, adds that this year was specific. As he states, it differs from previous years due to the earlier start of vegetation and the late spring frosts that damaged the plantings in the lower areas. Despite this, the quality of the plum is good, although the fruits are somewhat tougher due to the lack of moisture. But, as he apostrophizes, the plums they pick have a high content of dry matter and sugar. However, the demand for plums is very weak, and the stocks of prunes from the previous year further reduce the interest in purchasing.
Milinković warns that low purchase prices can disincentivize fruit growers to raise new plum plantations. Subsequently, he appeals to the state to find a way to protect the good crop from processors who dictate unfavorable purchase conditions.
Source: Politics
Source: boljazemlja.com
