Fruit production remains main export-oriented sector in Moldova

Chisinau, 15 March /MOLDPRES/- The fruit production sector, despite last year's drought and pandemic crisis remains the main direction of investment in the country with a significant share in exports. This conclusion was reached by members of Moldova Fruct Producers' and Exporters' Association, gathered at a general assembly of the association.

"Severe drought, frosts in the 2020 spring have significantly reduced yields and fruit quality. The COVID-19 pandemic with travel restrictions and quarantine measures, although it did not affect the fruit distribution channels, nevertheless created, at a certain stage, disturbances and delays in the supply process with means of production ", Moldova Fruct executive director Iurie Fala said.

The lack of reforms in the irrigation sector and irrigation management throughout the Republic of Moldova discourages farmers to invest in high value agricultural sectors.

Attending the meeting, Minister of Agriculture, Regional Development and Environment Ion Perju said “horticulture is a source of jobs and income in rural areas, or, it is obvious the multiplier effect that the horticultural sector has for other sectors of economy. "The future is for intensive and super-intensive orchards, but not without irrigation systems", he said.

Fruit producers asked the authorities to include in the National Catalog of Plant Varieties - new varieties of fruit, requested by consumers, for which they could also obtain subsidies from the state.

The members of the Association drafted a resolution in which they included several problems they face and for the solution of which they need the support of the authorities. The document was sent to state institutions.

In 2020, Moldova produced 430 thousand tons of apples, 65 thousand tons of plums, 11 thousand tons of cherries, 8 thousand tons of apricots and 70 thousand tons of table grapes.

photo: joblist.md