Albania
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| AGRICULTURE |
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The geographic position of Albania is suitable for agriculture. The moderate temperate and weather conditions provid an ideal climate for agriculture. As a result agriculture is the main activity of the country. Prior to the transition to the market economy, about 70% of the arable land was irrigated. Meanwhile, irrigation systems have been either destroyed or their maintenance has been neglected. Majority of the farms in Albania are small sized resulting into higher production costs. However, financial assistance from the European Union (EU) and the US paves way to modernization of the agricultural sector. The sector still contributes around 23% to country's GDP and employs about 58% of the active population.
Agricultural population (in thousands)
Total population
3 194
Agricultural population
1 457
Non agricultural population
1 736
Source : 2004, FAOSTAT
Land use
Cultivated surface area
1 121 000
Irrigated surface area
353 000
Number of farms
n.c.
Number of tractors
8 574
Source : 2003, FAOSTAT
Production indicators
Main crops
| Product | Production (in thousands) | Harvested surface (1000 ha) | Yield by hectare (kg/ha) |
| Wheat | 260 | 82 | 3158 |
| Maize | 220 | 48 | 4544 |
| Watermelons | 204 | 7 | 29143 |
| Potatoes | 169 | 10 | 16705 |
| Tomatoes | 152 | 6 | 24516 |
Source : 2005, FAOSTAT
Livestock
| Specie | Headcount (in thousands) |
| Sheep | 1760 |
| Goats | 941 |
| Cattle | 655 |
| Beehives | 157 |
| Pigs | 147 |
Source : 2005, FAOSTAT
Fishing (in metric tons)
| Shellfish, mollusks and cephalopods | Saltwater fish | Freshwater fish |
| 1 336 | 1 836 | 1 634 |
Source : 2005, FAOSTAT
Useful links
Directorate of Fishery, Govt of Albania
http://www.dfishery.gov.al/
Eurofish
http://www.eurofish.dk/
Globefish
http://www.globefish.org/