The fair is organised in Pristina on the occasion of the International Rural Woman Day, organised by EcoKosWomen and the Association of Kosovo Milk Producers.

The role and contribution of rural women to agriculture, livestock, food production and processing products were highlighted, as well as the development of family businesses.

The chairman of the Kosovo Milky Producers Association, Naser Bajraktari, said the work of rural women is important for economic development, but often is not valued enough.

rural women have an irreplaceable role, not only in the milk and livestock production sector, but also in agriculture, in food production, in family businesses, and in many other activities that contribute to economic development. We know that their work is often difficult, and it is not always valued enough. Therefore, as Kosovo Milky Producers Association, we are committed to continue supporting rural women, promoting their work and creating opportunities for strengthening and developing their economic development, Bajraktari has declared.

And Agriculture Minister Amend Muja said 15 percent of the beneficiaries in the Ministry’s schemes are women, while as one of the main barriers mentioned the property issue.

Based on the Department of Agriculture data, 15 percent of the beneficiaries in our schemes are women. But one of the problems this community faces is property. As we know, only about 5 percent of property in Kosovo is owned by women. This is the first structural barrier we want to overcome, and by next year the Ministry of Agriculture will take affirmative measures that assess this as the number one challenge, he said.

On the other hand, the director of Agriculture in the Pristina municipality, Life Rafuna, stressed that farmer women are an important pillar of agriculture and economic development.

Farmer women are an important pillar of agriculture, economic development, and the welfare of our society. With their work, dedication and stability, they contribute daily to local production, food security, the preservation of traditions, and the welfare of their families and communities. However, women’s contribution to agriculture should be accompanied by more opportunities, with more concrete support and easier access to investments, modern technology and markets, Rafuna said.

The fair also featured farmers and owners of small businesses who introduced and sold their products. They talked about the challenges they face during their work, but also about efforts to develop and promote local products.

Ardita Kastrati has shown the challenges they face.

There are difficulties, we are a little dependent on weather conditions, the difficulties are in any kind of work that they did, but the agriculture is more frequent. – Kastrati said.

Meanwhile, Njomza Bata indicated that business started only a year ago and that through fairs she is trying to promote her products and further develop the activity.

We’ve started quietly, so one year no more, it’s the beginning of business, Bata said.

While Ganimete Sejdiu, who is the beneficiary of a series from the Podujevo municipality, said she has participated in various fairs and trainings, while recently also received a grant that, according to her, is expected to facilitate her work.

I’m the beneficiary of a three-year series from the Podujevo municipality, participate in various fairs and trainings, the difficulty is abundant, now I’ve won a grand business for the woman, I believe it’s easier to work. Sejdiu said.

The event has continued throughout the day in the Zahir Pajazitı Square, where rural women are presenting their products and promoting the work they do in agriculture, livestock and food processing. / KP/