Young farmers in Republika Srpska, who are now receiving new “Belarus” tractors, say these machines will significantly improve production, which, with hard work and dedication, can provide a good livelihood.
Among the recipients is Ivana Kos, a young mother of three from Gornja Omarska near Prijedor, who is engaged in agriculture.
Kos is one of 159 farmers in Republika Srpska who acquired tractors by covering only 40% of the cost, while the remaining 60% was subsidized by the Ministry of Agriculture.
“In our greenhouses, we grow flowers and also raise pigs. The new tractor, an average ‘Belarus,’ will greatly ease fieldwork, as we plan to expand and professionalize production, into which we have already invested heavily,” said Kos, who is also an agricultural engineer.
She added that the tractor, which she will personally operate, arrived just in time for St. Nicholas Day, when she received the keys.
“I have a great love for agricultural machinery, especially tractors, which I’ve been using for years. I rely on them for plowing, transporting grain, and other tasks,” the 30-year-old emphasized.
Kos noted that farming is demanding but can offer a good life with determination, persistence, and cooperation.
Milutin Milošević, a 21-year-old from Gacko, inherited his passion for agriculture from his father. He explained that until now, they had been working the land with a tractor nearly 20 years old.
“With the new, twice as powerful tractor, we’ll be able to get much more done in less time. I also work as a veterinarian, and at home, we run a cattle farm, keep sheep, raise bees, and grow fruit,” said Milošević.
He added that the new tractor, which cost them 26,300 marks, provides motivation to expand production further.
Dragana Popadić, chief of staff at the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Water Management of Republika Srpska, told Glas Srpske that 7.8 million KM was allocated for 159 “Belarus” tractors intended for farmers under 40, including those with three or more children and agricultural engineers.
“The keys to the tractors are being distributed in three phases, and by the end of the year, all 159 should be delivered. This measure aims to support the development and retention of young people in rural areas,” Popadić stated.
She highlighted that 32 municipalities were included in this initiative, with the largest number of tractors going to Bijeljina.
Young agronomists from Banja Luka, Modriča, Derventa, Ugljevik, Doboj, Donji Žabar, Lopare, Gacko, Kneževo, Mrkonjić Grad, Novi Grad, as well as the municipalities of Sokolac, Stanari, Teslić, Han Pijesak, Kostajnica, Kotor Varoš, Krupa na Uni, Nevesinje, Osmaci, Pale, Pelagićevo, Foča, and Čelinac also acquired tractors through the project “Village of Republika Srpska – My Place for Life,” with 60% of the funding provided by the Government of Republika Srpska.
Source: Glas Srpske
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