In Bosnia and Herzegovina, a prolonged summer drought combined with an increase in the importation of fruits and vegetables has led to a forecasted rise in prices for these commodities, according to discussions with "Nezavisne Novine". This situation represents an additional financial burden for the citizens. Although similar trends are observed in other regional and European countries, this offers little solace to the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Statistics from the Indirect Taxation Administration of BiH indicate a significant uptick in the importation costs of fruits and vegetables, totaling around 17 million convertible marks more than the previous year for the first eight months. Specifically, expenditures on imported bananas reached approximately 54 million KM, with Ecuador accounting for about 41 million KM of this figure. Citrus fruits, both fresh and dried, accounted for imports worth around 32 million KM, while 22 million KM was allocated for potato imports. Additionally, the country imported tomatoes and nuts valued at about 19 million KM and 18.5 million KM, respectively.
Enes Hasanović, secretary of the Tuzla Canton Farmers' Association, highlighted the severe impact of the drought on local fruit and vegetable production, necessitating increased imports. "We don't have enough fruits and vegetables because there was a drought for 90 days, we didn't even have a drop of rain." He further explained that the lack of local production justifies this year's heightened import levels and anticipated price surges for these food items.
Source: Slobodenpecat