This autumn, around 11,200 hectares of winter crops were sown in Lijevče Field, with oilseed rape occupying a significant share in the sowing structure. Farmers are also showing growing interest in planting other oilseed crops.
Savo Vasiljević from Rogoje planted 18 hectares of oilseed rape.
There are several reasons why he decided to increase the area planted with oilseed crops, but the most important is the guaranteed market.
- The only production I have under contract is oilseeds because I have an agreement with Bimal, and they purchase all my produce – said Vasiljević.
The oilseed rape already planted will be purchased during the harvest by Bimal Brčko, the only oil producer in BiH, at a price of 700 KM per ton.
- We set a guaranteed price in contracts, and for oilseed rape, it is 700 KM per ton, plus 140 KM per ton as a premium for high-oleic rape – emphasized Ševal Suljkanović, Executive Director of Bimal from Brčko.
Farmers are also increasingly interested in soybean production.
The company “Viv Agro” from Povelice near Srbac based this year’s production on 260 hectares.
Despite a demanding year, they achieved average yields. Incentives from the relevant ministry have made production profitable.
- Since we found a better market, we exported our soybeans, which greatly helped us because we secured a favorable buyer. However, without the ministry’s subsidies of 400 KM per hectare, we would not have been able to make it work – said Mirko Romić, owner of “Viv Agro.”
It is estimated that around 240 hectares of oilseed rape were sown this autumn in the areas of Gradiška, Laktaši, and Srbac, which is an increase compared to previous years.
The potential for oilseed production in Lijevče Field, as well as throughout BiH, is still not fully utilized.
The Brčko-based processor secures only a quarter of the required 120,000 tons of oilseeds from the domestic market.
Source: RTRS
