Farmer-to-farmer exchange visits are networking and learning opportunities, and help spread new ideas and introduce new crops. On 25 July 2018, a group of farmers from the region of Rahovec/Orahovac in Kosovo, who recently started cultivation of medicinal and aromatic plants or are considering to begin, visited Istog, another region in Kosovo, where farmers and collection centers already have good experience in MAP cultivation and processing.

First, the group visited Agroproduct, a company that is involved in cultivation, collection, processing and exporting of MAPs. At Agtroproduct, the group learned about various MAPs that can be cultivated with success in Kosovo; how the collection and processing functions, and the benefits.

The group visited several other farmers of this region who shared tips and advice. Amrush Kastrati from Radost village in Rahovec/Orahovac started MAP cultivation last year. “I am happy with my first attempt, and will definitely continue and expand cultivation area,” Amrush says. “Today’s visit gave me good information and new ideas. As farmers, we need to constantly be on the lookout for new opportunities”.  

This visit is part of the strengthening contract farming system activity being implemented by Swisscontact’s Promoting Private Sector Employment project in partnership with local company Tradita.