Subsidies in Serbia’s livestock sector should see a boost through increased investments, argued Dragan Glamočić, a professor at the Faculty of Agriculture in Novi Sad, in a recent interview with the Beta news agency. According to him, this approach promises greater returns compared to subsidies for grain production, potentially leading to an uptick in grain prices due to heightened demand.
Glamočić stressed the imperative of ramping up support for livestock growth, advocating for urgent action such as importing breeding stock to augment the existing herds. He proposed establishing nucleus farms for pig breeding instead of relying on imports from Denmark for slaughterhouses and meat imports from Spain.
The debate between livestock breeders and farmers over subsidy allocation prompted Glamočić to emphasize that subsidies should not be withdrawn from farmers. Instead, he called for an increase in support for livestock breeders, especially for investment purposes.
Highlighting the imbalance in Serbia’s agricultural exports, Glamočić asserted that the country’s focus should shift from being a grain exporter to exporting higher-value products like meat, dairy, and processed fruits.
Glamočić underscored the potential impact of bolstering the livestock sector on grain prices, noting that an expanded domestic market demand could lead to a price surge.
Drawing a comparison with European countries, Glamočić pointed out that Serbia’s livestock density falls significantly below the EU average, suggesting untapped potential for growth in the sector.
In terms of income generation, Glamočić indicated that livestock farming yields substantially higher returns per hectare compared to grain production. He cited figures showing that while grain farming typically generates around 1,500 euros per hectare, livestock farming can yield anywhere from 5,000 to 10,000 euros per hectare.
Glamočić also raised concerns about Serbia’s trade deficit in agricultural products, emphasizing the need to address the imbalance between grain exports and the importation of meat, dairy, and other processed products.
To revitalize the soil and enhance productivity, Glamočić advocated for regular fertilization with manure every four years, promoting soil health and sustainability.
In terms of investment, Glamočić stressed the importance of modernizing farms with state-of-the-art equipment to improve efficiency and productivity, echoing successful strategies employed by European Union countries.
In conclusion, Glamočić urged Serbia to prioritize investments in livestock farming, emphasizing the significance of modernization and increased productivity to ensure the sector’s long-term viability and growth.
