Potato production decreases in Maliq/ Farmers seek support from the state

2025-09-30 14:57:00, Aktualitet CNA

In the fields of Maliq, one of the most popular areas for potato production, farmers are facing a difficult situation this year. High temperatures, lack of water and damage from the insect known as the potato moth have led to a poor harvest, causing farmers to incur significant losses. Farmers say that despite the hard work and great expenses, they have not managed to obtain the expected harvest. Many of them say that they did not find it convenient to use agricultural tools, while some have left the potatoes to rot in the ground. Losses are estimated at millions of lek for each, while the high costs of works, fertilizers and medicines have not been able to be borne. They say that production has been damaged by drought and the potato moth, half of the production has been destroyed, while the market does not accept damaged potatoes. They are asking for more support from the state to cope with the losses and not abandon the land.

"Potato production was poor, as you can see, it was damaged by the moth. This is due to the lack of water, all the farmers have done very badly. I had 5 dunams and came out with little production, it was not profitable for me to bring the tractor to collect it. I only collected a little, it was not profitable for us for the market. The damage is 3 million lek, each farmer has come out with a loss. We have faced this problem, but this year there is a water crisis. Temperatures, drought. They give us some medicines, we used them but in vain, we could not fight them. We had no water. The high cost, the very low price. As young farmers, the first time we encounter this, it is not profitable to work anymore. There are many farmers, they all leave their production in the fields, it is not profitable."

"We didn't do well, there was a spoiled crop, only half was sold. We covered them because half was spoiled. We couldn't even pay for the medicines, the irrigation. We've had damage from the potato borer before, all the farmers have this concern."

"Farmers work a lifetime and heavy expenses, the state gives up. Very little production, nature, lack of water, butterflies. Many farmers have not pulled up the potatoes, they are waiting. The first year like that, and now the second year. Years pass, what can we say, one goes with hope. We do not work in vain, we do not know what to say. We have a lot of losses, throw away the lek, where do we get that lek, the state should help the farmer. The state from us and we from the state. What can I say, there is no responsibility at all."

"It's no use, because no one will take that potato. The village is in trouble but no one thinks. Woe to our children who are losing everything, those who run away wherever they want, they have nothing to do here, they work here for a piece of bread."

Potato production decreases in Maliq/ Farmers seek support from the state

On the other hand, the Municipality of Maliq confirms that this year has been one of the most difficult for potato growers. The head of the agricultural sector, Arben Dulellari, says that the problem of potato moth has been evident for about 7 years, but climate change and rising temperatures have worsened the situation even in this traditional area. He explains that farmers should implement preventive measures, such as timely planting, deepening seedlings, soil cleaning, regular weeding and irrigation management. He emphasizes that chemical protection should only be used as a last resort.

"Potato cultivation in the territory of Maliq Municipality occupies a significant part of the agricultural area, with about 790 hectares planted each year. However, climate change and other factors have brought new challenges, making this crop a more complex object of study, especially in terms of protection from pests and other problems related to production.

For about 7 years, an important pest, the potato moth, has been identified in this territory, which causes losses in both quantity and quality of production. This insect is not unknown in agricultural literature, but until recently it was more widespread in the warmer areas of Albania. Due to the increase in temperatures, it has now become a problem even in Maliq, a traditional potato cultivation area. For this reason, farmers must take some necessary measures to protect the crop. Planting should be done at the right time, as delays increase the risk of infection, in line with the increase in temperatures. Seedlings should be planted a little deeper than usual, so that the insect has less opportunity to penetrate. The soil surface should be kept clean, while regular weeding helps both in the development of the plant and in reducing the presence of pests. Irrigation should be carefully managed, because humidity and high temperatures create favorable conditions for the moth to multiply. Chemical protection is the last resort and should only be used when the pest population is very high. Treatment should be done carefully, respecting the waiting periods and avoiding chemical residues in production. Another important point that should be emphasized is related to areas where irrigation is more limited. In these areas, it is necessary to ensure water reserves for irrigation, but it is also necessary to think about introducing earlier potato varieties .

Potato production decreases in Maliq/ Farmers seek support from the state

Meanwhile, for young farmers who have faced this crisis for the first time this year, the situation is discouraging. They say they see no benefit in working the land and that without the help of institutions they risk abandoning it. In Maliq, about 790 hectares of land are planted with potatoes each year. But for many farmers, this season has been a lost year, leaving behind disappointment, debt and questions about the future of agriculture in this area./ CNA