Bosnia and Herzegovina: frosts damage 60-90% of topfruit

Late April frosts in the Republic of Srpska (part of Bosnia and Herzegovina), has caused damage to about 1,100 hectares of fruit plantations, and early vegetables. The greatest damage was seen in the northwest of the Republic of Srpska, in the municipalities of Gradiska, Kozarska Dubica, Novi Grad, Kostajnica and the towns Prijedor and Banja Luka.

"The first estimates shows damages of up to 60% -90%. This is especially true for fruits such as plums, apples and pears. The frost lasted between seven to ten hours, with recorded temperatures of -1 to - 5 degrees below freezing. More exact details of the extent of the damage will be known by the end of the month.” said Stevo Mirjanić, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management for the Republic of Srpska.

Stevo Mirjanić, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management for the Republic of Srpska.

Interestingly, the worst damages were reported in the areas with higher elevation. Minister Mirjanić has said that the Ministry will try to provide money to help fruit growers who have suffered damage from frost, because producers have already invested more than 5 million Euro in the orchards.

"The growers have experienced many problems with production in recent years. Last year was too dry and the year before saw too much rain, leaving growers concerned about the future. This branch of agriculture is very important for the Republic of Srpska and Bosnia and Herzegovina." said president of the Fruit Association Republic of Srpska Dragoja Dojčinović.

"The Russian ban for the EU has brought us many new opportunities. The Republic of Srpska exported 14.5 million Euro worth of apples to Russia in 2014/15."

Annual production in Republic of Srpska; apple 120,000 tonnes, plums 150,000 tonnes and pears 30,000 tonnes.

Frosts caused the most damage in the Northwest of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The municipality of Gracanica, known for the production of plums, was hit hardest. Raspberry production was also affected by the frost and snow.

”We expected the yield of 10,000 tonnes of raspberries this year, but will have to wait for the warmer weather before we know the final damage.” said Nermin Šutković, director of Agricultural Cooperative "AT" from Donji Vakuf.

For more information:
Bojan Kecman
Minister of Agriculture-Republic of Srpska
Tel: +387 65 742 293,
Email: b.kecman@mps.vladars.net
bojankecman@gmail.com