Peaches and nectarines have seen abundant production this year in Lumas të Cërrikut; however, local farmers report that low market prices are severely undermining profitability. Growers are expressing significant difficulty maintaining agricultural operations and securing stable annual income due to escalating production costs and persistent labor shortages. Farmers noted a critical economic imbalance: while the volume of harvest is high, the corresponding market pricing is insufficient.
One farmer, Dorjana Hoxha, who has dedicated 20 years to the trade, highlighted this disparity. She contrasted current conditions with previous years, noting that in the past, even if yields were lower, stable pricing allowed for profitable work. “This year there is production, but no price,” Hoxha stated.
She described a history where they successfully sold their crops—ranging from 30 to 50 lekë depending on the specific product—in previous seasons. She added that the agricultural cycle is unpredictable, citing recent blight damage to the harvest. The collective sentiment among the farming community points to a structural challenge.
While the physical capacity for successful production remains evident, the economic viability of the work is threatened by volatile pricing structures. These combined pressures—high operational costs, labor scarcity, and depressed market rates—are creating significant financial instability for the agricultural sector in the region.
Topics: #year #production #work
