The Stërbleva potato from Librazhdi is renowned for its exceptional quality and organic production methods. However, as the harvest season unfolds, farmers are expressing significant concerns regarding market conditions.
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| Sacks of potatoes in a field in Librazhd, Albania |
“Overall, the season is quite good; we have a substantial production of high-quality, organic potatoes. Yet, the price is non-existent—there’s no market for us, and traders aren’t coming to buy. We need traders to arrive; they shouldn’t be importing goods from abroad, as this severely lowers our prices. This year is worse; last year, prices were around 60 lekë per kilogram, while this year they’ve dropped to 40 lekë, despite the fact that prices for everything else have risen,” lamented one farmer.
Despite a fruitful harvest and demand for this particular type of potato, selling prices are failing to cover this year’s increased expenses. Potatoes are the only agricultural crop cultivated in this region, with annual production exceeding 1,000 tons.
“Harvesting is still underway in the villages, but prices continue to fall. Wholesale prices are around 50 lekë per kilogram, which isn’t worthwhile given the high planting costs. Seeds are expensive as well. Compared to previous years, seeds were cheaper. The seeds we use are not organic; they are hybrids, and we need to change them every two years, costing up to 200,000 lekë per quintal. Farmers are losing interest because production costs exceed potential profits,” another farmer explained.
“Our production is excellent, but we receive no support from the government. The price is so low that we face numerous issues. At 30 lekë per kilogram, it isn’t worth it; if we calculate our expenses, we find that the cost is around 45 lekë, leaving us at a loss of 15 lekë per kilogram. The state needs to fulfill its responsibilities through the Ministry of Agriculture, but we see no assistance,” another farmer added.
Farmers assert that the quality of Stërbleva potatoes is attributed to the soil in which they are grown and the extended growing period. They emphasize the necessity for a collection point to facilitate sales and note that the label “Stërbleva potato” has been subject to misuse.
Conclusion
As the situation stands, the challenges faced by Stërbleva potato farmers highlight a significant disconnect between production capabilities and market realities. The quality of their product is unquestionable, but without adequate support and fair pricing, the future of this essential agricultural sector remains precarious. Immediate action from authorities and the establishment of reliable trading channels are crucial to ensure the sustainability of potato farming in Librazhdi.