The recent frosts that have swept across the country are damaging newly planted greenhouses for the spring season. 

Amid the hardships caused by rising commodity prices, especially fertilizers and pesticides, as well as the floods of November last year, greenhouses are now in danger of being severely damaged by recent frosts. Greenhouses are suffering the most damage in rural areas of Berat due to lower temperatures compared to the national average. 

"On Monday morning, I uprooted many roots in the greenhouses, which were damaged by frost, but if they continue for three days, according to forecasts, then the damage will be great," said Gentian Ziu from the Kutalli area in Berat, who cultivates about 1 hectare of the greenhouse. 

He said greenhouses could not be protected from temperatures below -1, as many farmers were trying to protect their crops by circumstantial means, such as paper towels. 

Climate change has increased the risks in agriculture by increasing the intensity of droughts, floods and frosts. Extreme weather events have increased as well as damage to agriculture. 

The floods of November last year destroyed several greenhouses in the Berat district, while now low temperatures seem to be destroying what survived the floods. The climate in agricultural businesses has deteriorated in the last year following signals for improvement given in 2020 by investments in supply chains. 

The removal of fiscal incentives for agriculture with the 2022 package, the over 100% increase in prices of agricultural inputs and low export demand have plunged farmers into debt. Many have given up seasonal plantings due to financial difficulties from losses incurred during the second planting season. 

As a result of this problem, vegetable exports reached ALL 8,830 million last year, a decrease of 0.4% compared to 2020. Vegetables are the most exported product from the food group with rapid growth in recent years as a result of investments in greenhouses and increasing the planted area. 

From 2010 to 2021, vegetable exports multiplied, reaching a value of ALL 8.8 billion from ALL 464 million in 2010. The increase in export revenues increased the potential of agriculture in the most productive areas of the country, Fier and Berat. 

Exports influenced the growth of businesses on farms, became a cause for investment in technology, modernization and expertise. But the difficulties of the last two years have led to a decline in exports and incomes for farmers.

(Source: Monitor)