New resources for agriculture #3
Agriculture is an important pillar of the Albanian economy. It contributes more than 18% of the gross domestic product and employs about 33.6% of the country's workforce. However, agriculture faces many obstacles, particularly the very high cost of electricity essential for the operation of greenhouses and irrigation systems. To support and revitalize this sector, Albania launched a large-scale solar panel installation project in rural areas three years ago.
The agricultural sector has gone through many phases of development, from communist cooperatives to a free market economy. The opening up to foreign investments and the support of the European Union has led many farmers to adapt their production. However, they remain dependent on the high price of energy and reliance on non-renewable resources.
A changing agriculture
As part of the European IPARD II program (2014-2020), which specifically targets rural areas and the agri-food sectors of candidate countries, Albania received approximately 72 million euros for rural development. This funding is intended to transform agricultural practices such as infrastructure and increase the competitiveness of the sector.
For the period 2021-2027, IPARD III is expected to provide an additional 112 million euros. Even though this aid is temporarily suspended due to corruption issues, this funding will focus on modernizing farms and environmental sustainability. It will also align agricultural practices with EU standards, allowing Albanian farmers to integrate more easily into international markets.
The "Green Routes" project
Invited to improve the sustainability of this sector, the Albanian government and the Ministry of Agriculture launched a large-scale solar panel installation program in rural areas three years ago. Entitled "Green Routes for Albanian Livestock," it allows for a reduction in operational costs and increases production efficiency by boosting yields.
Thus, solar panels have been installed in several pilot farms. Thanks to this system, farmers are able to significantly reduce their dependence on the electrical grid, thus achieving considerable savings.
The energy produced is used to maintain the temperature in greenhouses, which are essential for the production of fruits and vegetables. It also powers irrigation systems, which require a constant supply of energy.
France is particularly involved in this program through its Institute of Livestock (Institut de l'élevage), and its implementation is closely monitored by the French ambassador to Albania, Catherine Suard. The diplomat emphasizes that this is one of the conditions for the country's entry into the European Union. "The issue is to ensure good practices and to share them with as many farmers as possible, so they can become known."
Concrete examples
The installation of solar panels and milk conservation infrastructures in the Çajupi farms in Libohovë is part of pilot experiences. Supported by the French Institute of Livestock, this initiative has helped farmers increase their income and adopt better practices. Data shows that the implementation of modern technologies in livestock not only increases productivity but also contributes to environmental protection.
Vigan Dervishi, project manager at the Institute, emphasizes that the “Green Routes” program, fully dedicated to livestock, transposes the best French practices by adapting them to small investments.
"In Korçë, for example, we are going to create a small biogas installation for domestic use. It will serve as a model for families that have one or two cows and could produce biogas for household needs. This way, they can avoid buying gas or cutting wood. It's an element that requires very low investments but provides comfort and income for a family,” says Vigan.
Investing in agrivoltaics
"We have also installed photovoltaic panels designed so that sheep can graze underneath. Indeed, experiments in France show that sheep grazing on the grass reduce the heat under the panels, thus providing more energy, hence more yield. The panels also protect the sheep from the sun's rays during the summer and reduce their water needs."
Photovoltaic installations lead to a whole ecosystem. There is the cooling tank for milk conservation. The biogas installation from the treatment of animal waste. The wastewater treatment filter from the milking parlor. Or the "electric fences," which consume quite a bit of energy. Albanian farms are gradually transforming while respecting the environment and adapting to climate change.
Solar panels are also more affordable for farmers thanks to subsidies and financial support related to their installation. This helps them cover part of the initial costs, making the investment easier and more affordable while allowing for long-term savings.
That is why, in rural Albanian areas, the use of solar panels is multiplying. For Halim L., a farmer in a village in Fier in the southwest, the use of panels has increased productivity. "I saved money and my production increased. With the panels, our lives as farmers have changed. Not just for me, but for several neighbors with whom we work."
Many prospects
Although the benefits are evident, there are still obstacles, such as the lack of technical knowledge for the maintenance and use of the panels.
Training has therefore been offered by organizations such as the Agricultural Technology Transfer Center of Korçë, which is responsible for identifying, testing, adapting, and introducing new methods and materials into agricultural and livestock practices. These trainings are designed to help better understand how to operate and maintain the installations. But also how to make the most of the investments.
In rural areas, energy infrastructure is often lacking, and there are frequent supply interruptions. Solar panels thus provide a reliable and affordable energy source, preventing farmers from having to interrupt their work.
"As soon as I have the necessary information and with state aid, I will install the panels in my barn. Because here I have water for irrigation but no electricity,” announces Fidan, another farmer who is not yet equipped.
As a sign of interest in this type of project, high schools and universities are beginning to offer specialized programs in agriculture, including courses on the use of solar energy and other modern technologies. These initiatives aim to increase the number of qualified professionals and build a reserve of specialized labor for the sector.
Photo credit: ©Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development