Potential of protected vegetable production in Kosovo and future perspectives

Kosovo is situated in the central part of the Balkan. From the geographical point of view, Kosovo can be subdivided into two large regional flat units: the north-eastern part is referred to as “Rrafshi and Kosovës”, the south-western part as "Rrafshi i Dukagjinit". The sites in “Rrafshi and Dukagjinit” have a better position for early greenhouse production. The actual vegetable production in Kosovo, despite the fast increase of greenhouse area in the three recent years, is based on open field cultivation. In 2012, vegetable production was estimated at 213,490 t: 200,620 t from 14,330 ha of open fields and 12,870 t from 234 ha of greenhouses and plastic tunnels. Average yields for open fields were 14 t ha^-1, and for greenhouse 55 t ha^-1. Greenhouse industry is a fast developing sector in Kosovo. Based on recent statistics the current total area of greenhouses in Kosovo is 234 ha. Obviously, the big majority of greenhouses are simple walk-in tunnels, mostly constructed by wood or a combination of wood and metal, followed by improved single tunnels constructed by metal pipes, locally named as “medium technology level greenhouses” There is a clear tendency in Kosovo to expand the area under protected cultivation. Based on the expected developments of vegetable production in Kosovo, an increased demand on good quality seedlings is expected. Consequently, the vegetable seedlings market is expected to be further expanded and developed. Due to importance of the sector the Ministry of agriculture has increased support from 50 to 65% on total cost of greenhouse construction.