USAID supports the development of agriculture through “Agrokapital” project

USAID Albania organized a conference for the first anniversary of “Agrokapital” project, financed by this organization, which supports agriculture development in country. The conference was attended by the Albanian Minister of Agriculture Edmond Panariti and the USA ambassador to Albania, Donald Lu.

Minister Panariti praised the assistance USAID has given in the development of agriculture, and praised the solidarity shown for the flooded families and businesses in country’s south. “We faced a very hard situation in southern Albania which obviously had a very negative impact in agriculture sector in the flooded areas. But, it is important to highlight the help and assistance given by national and international partners in the revival of agriculture,” said Panariti.

In addition he spoke about the decision taken by the government in the last days for the payment of agricultural loans taken by flooded farmers and businesses in micro lending institutions, at a value of 1.5 billion ALL. Panariti also praised the cooperation of private banks in adjourning loan installments of farmers for a period of two years.

In turn, the USA ambassador to Tirana, Donald Lu, expressed his regret for the flooded families and the emergency situation which created in the beginning of the year in country’s south by massive flooding.

“I hope the assistance USAID has given to flooded families will help them. These flooding did not damage Albanian peoples’ will. We are very satisfied to support Agrokapital, by USAID but still there are many businesses that need to be funded in order to grow further,” declared Donald Lu.

Minister of Agriculture underlined the fact that the government is focused in comprehensive investments in agriculture, prior of which is to invest in huge warehouses for bio products. These warehouses, declared Panariti, will connect production with the market. “Another important step is the increase of offer and this will be achieved by investing in greenhouses,” ended his work Panariti.

News source/photo credits: ATA