Flash News

Two cars collide in Pogradec, 3 people injured

Triple accident in Lapraka, two people injured

A young man from Kosovo passes away after coming to Lezha on vacation

Flames engulf the mountain in Maliq, flames near the former military tank depot

A house in Shëngjin is destroyed by flames

E-TJERA

Livestock in crisis, number of sheep and goats falling, experts: Subsidies are not enough

Politiko 2025-06-28 14:53:47

Livestock in crisis, number of sheep and goats falling, experts: Subsidies are

Albanian livestock is facing a continuous decline, with a significant decrease in the number of sheep and goats during 2024. Official INSTAT data show that the number of sheep has decreased by 2.5%, while that of goats by 3.9%. Currently, there are 1 million 177 thousand sheep and 615 thousand goats in the country.

Meanwhile, there is a modest increase in the cattle sector, with 9 thousand more cows compared to last year, or a 3.3% increase.

According to experts, this decline is a consequence of the lack of effective and sustainable policies to support livestock farming. Veterinarian Xhelil Koleci warns that the sector is heading towards extinction:

"A national strategy is required, built on the best models of developed countries."

According to experts, current subsidies are not enough to motivate farmers to continue raising livestock. They emphasize that rural development cannot be seen only as a matter of financial assistance, but should include basic services and improving infrastructure.

"The farmer needs health care, social life and functional roads. Livestock is no longer a commercial activity, but only for family needs," said agriculture expert Noc Fasllia.

The increasing cost of production and high prices of livestock feed have made domestic products no longer competitive compared to imported ones, especially from the region.

Experts warn that dependence on imported milk, including from Serbia, brings numerous economic and social consequences for the country.

The only branch of agriculture that has recorded growth is beekeeping. The number of hives has increased by 13.2% within a year, reaching 587 thousand bee families. However, this increase is not enough to cover the domestic needs for honey in the Albanian market./Top Channel

Latest news