Republika Srpska takes steps to protect agriculture during COVID–19 crisis

Banja Luka, Republika Sprska – As a developing country with fragile economy dependent on imported goods and services, Bosnia and Herzegovina has been seriously affected by the COVID–19 crisis. Under the state of emergency declared by the government of the Republika Srpska on March 16, 2020, and due to the limited foreign trade, the agricultural production has become crucial to ensure food security and support local economy during the crisis.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management of the Republika Srpska has put in place measures to increase local agriculture production by offering sowing packages for small family farms. In addition, 30 per cent fixed return – with 40 per cent for households over 600 altitude – has been set for investments in agricultural machinery, livestock equipment, plant production and irrigation, and processing of agricultural products for domestic use.

Additional funds have been allocated to support planting of industrial crops as well as establishment of organic farms. These measures also address land degradation by encouraging the use of previously abandoned croplands for  agricultural production to meet the increased demand. KM 75 million have been allocated to finance current production and capital investments in the republic.

For more info please visit https://agroportal.ba/plan-proljetne-sjetve-za-2020-godinu-u-republici-srpskoj/