CHANGING CLIMATE BOOSTS EXOTIC FRUIT GROWTH IN REPUBLIKA SRPSKA

The cultivation of tropical fruits is becoming increasingly common in Republika Srpska, with various species now thriving in regions where they were not previously grown. Notably, kiwi is now successfully cultivated, marking a significant shift in agricultural practices in the region.

PHOTO: Evanto

According to Dragoja Dojčinović, President of the Fruit Growers Association of Republika Srpska, climate change has brought about a slight alteration in fruit varieties that are viable in the area. While enthusiastic about the new possibilities, Dojčinović emphasizes that these exotic fruits pose challenges due to the region's climate conditions.

"Climate change has allowed kiwi to thrive in most parts of Republika Srpska, except in mountainous areas, but reluctance to plant it persists due to the lack of adequate technology. Oranges and lemons are mainly cultivated in Herzegovina, while Semberija and Potkozarje are not ideal for such fruits," explains Dojčinović.

He further notes that such plantations are risky and expensive.

Meanwhile, Drago Narandžić, owner of a nursery in Banja Luka, specializes in cultivating various types of exotic plants and citrus fruits. "We have different types of citrus fruits, as well as other exotic plants. Regarding exotic plants, we seek those that can be grown outdoors, as opposed to citrus fruits, which require winter shelter. We have Siberian lemons that can withstand winter temperatures when planted in the ground and do not need protection," says Drago.

Citrus fruits are not demanding in terms of maintenance; they only need to be brought indoors during winter, while they can be placed anywhere during summer. Drago, whose diverse selection includes olives, pomegranates, tamarisks, yews, magnolias, and Japanese cherries, adds that lemon seedlings range in price from 20 to 50 KM, depending on the size and age of the tree.

Savo Marković from Banja Luka has been cultivating kiwi for ten years now. "We saw kiwi at our relatives' place in Serbia, so we decided to try growing this tropical fruit ourselves, and it worked. Every year, we harvest around 50 kilograms of kiwi," says Savo, concluding that kiwi is hardier than winter.

This trend underscores Republika Srpska's increasing interest in diversifying its agricultural sector and adapting to the changing climate conditions.