The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Anila Denaj, presented on Monday the 2025 draft budget for Agriculture and Rural Development to the Parliamentary Committee for Production Activities, Trade and Environment.

"In the last 10 years, the government's support dedicated to the agricultural sector has made the sustainable development of the sector possible, tangible and real, as well as the preservation of its positive progressive dynamics," said Denaj, emphasizing that the agricultural sector is without question a priority of the government, the investment in which has turned it into a priority and opportunity for farmers and agriculturists throughout the country.

During the presentation of the budget, the minister emphasized that this year the government focused and will continue to focus on the union of farmers, aiming to promote investments in economies of scale, reduce costs, and increase productivity.

"Investments are focused on investment products that help improve food security, as well as on systems and infrastructure that contribute in the longer term to our objectives and vision “Agriculture 2030".

Regarding the proposed budget for 2025, Denaj underlined that the proposed budget amounts to Lek 15 billion, an increase of nearly 4% compared to the 2024 budget. Through this budget, it will be possible to finance policies such as the development of sustainable agriculture, food security, sustainable development of fisheries and blue economy, and development of administrative and institutional capacities, cooperation of actors, innovation, and digitalization.

“Lek 4.4 billion from the budget will go to direct support for farmers," said the minister, adding that the union of operators will again be the focus of the 2025 scheme.

The focus of the budget for 2025 will be food security with Lek 2.6 billion, as well as irrigation-drainage infrastructure and flood protection with a fund of Lek 2.9 billion.

The expected 2024 budget, including the end-of-year Regulatory Act with additions to farmer schemes, is projected to be 12% higher compared to the actual 2023 budget. Domestic investment in facilities in 2024 has increased by over 10%.