Tobacco is progressing! Producers are in the intensive period of leaf harvesting, which started earlier than usual this year due to specific weather conditions. Tobacco is grown on approximately 4,600 hectares, with the Virginia variety dominating, which is mainly grown in Srem, Mačva and southern Banat. The less widespread variety of berlej is grown in northern Bačka and Potisje, where it remains on only about a hundred hectares.
Due to the drought, yields of yellow leaf are reduced, especially in plots that are not under irrigation systems. On plots where the irrigation system is used, the yield of virginia will, according to current estimates, be average, with about two tons of dry leaves per hectare, while burley will have a slightly higher yield.
One of the examples of successful production despite the drought is the farm of Atila Milutinović from Orom, in the north of Bačka. Milutinović grows berlej on 10 cadastral acres, and all three plots are under an irrigation system, which allowed the berlej to grow extremely well, reaching a height of over two meters.
Milutinović grows tobacco on a total of 50 hectares of land, and after a ten-year break, last season he started producing burley again for the needs of the JTI tobacco factory in Senta. Thanks to the possibility of irrigation, he achieved exceptional results, so last year he achieved a yield of 4.12 tons of dry leaves per hectare, and this year he expects an even better result.
How does tobacco move in us?
The company JTI has a significant share in the production, purchase and processing of tobacco in Serbia, with about 65% of the market share. This year, the company expects to purchase around 4,300 tons of yellow leaf. This season, JTI contracted the production of Virginia variety tobacco with 354 farms on 2,274 hectares, while burley was contracted with 28 producers on 35 hectares.
The importance of investment in irrigation systems in farms with which JTI contracts production is recognized in the increase of irrigated areas by 5% compared to last year. Now over 40% of the contracted areas are under the irrigation system.
Atila Milutinović, who was previously the record holder in berley production, decided to dedicate himself to this culture again. He decided on that step, considering it more profitable than other crops in the conditions of dry years. His farm uses more modern harvesting technology, which involves cutting whole stalks in the field, which are then hung in dryers. This method reduces the need for labor, lowers costs, and allows obtaining a higher quality leaf than with traditional manual harvesting.
In the end, despite the challenges brought by climate change, investing in modern technologies and irrigation systems is proving to be a key factor for preserving and improving tobacco production in Serbia. The company JTI and producers such as Atila Milutinović prove that it is possible to achieve success. This is feasible even in difficult conditions, with the appropriate application of technological innovations and strategic investments.
Source: Diary
Source: boljazemlja.com
