The Serbian government, in cooperation with local authorities, will assist households in the Ivanjica region affected by recent snowstorms that damaged orchards and plantations, announced Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, and Water Management Dragan Glamočić.
During his visit to Ivanjica, one of Serbia’s main fruit-growing areas, he said a joint commission will survey the damage and compile a list of affected crops to provide farmers with seedlings and other support to restore production.
“We cannot replace trees that took 15 years to grow, but we can supply new seedlings and help fruit growers rebuild their orchards,” the minister said, adding that a public call for machinery, insurance, and seedlings is expected in November.
Last year, the ministry provided nearly one billion dinars in various subsidies in the Ivanjica municipality, accounting for over 80% of the local annual budget.
Ivanjica Mayor Aleksandar Mitrović reported that between 15,000 and 20,000 trees, mostly plums, pears, and cherries, were damaged during three days of snowfall, and noted that the effects of the damage will be felt for years.
