Deputy prime minister and minister of agriculture and rural development Milutin Simovic signed contracts on leasing about 45 hectares of state-owned land in Grahovo.
The leasees, Ratko Kovacevic, Ivan Bulajic, Milan Bulajic and Vasilije Jaksic plan to grow vegetables, potatoes and grains, thus beginning a serious valuation of agricultural potential of the Grahovo field.
The four of them were selected among bidders at the tender for leasing the state-owned agricultural land in Grahovo called by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development on 25 March.
The ministry stated that the tenants leased 44.6 out of the 47.5 hectares of state-owned agricultural land at a price of €200 and €578 per hectare annually.
“They leased the land for one year, with the possibility to extend the lease period for another year,” the ministry said.
The four leases plan to grow potatoes, but also cabbage, carrots, beets, onions, cereals and other crops.
They are particularly satisfied with the fact that the development of agricultural production will contribute to the development of local economy and the revival of this region.
“The goal is to engage the entire labour force from Grahovo. Who wants to work will have the place to work,” said Ratko Kovacevic, who leased the largest plot of 17.9 hectares.
Minister Milutin Simovic said it was particularly important that the planned production would motivate not only the tenants from this region, but also the local population. He pointed out that this was just a beginning of an important project of valorising available agricultural land in Montenegro.
