DPM Simović on "Sundays about Countryside and Agriculture" show, Radio of Montenegro: Montenegrin agriculture is moving in the right direction, but a lot has to be done and improved

Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Milutin Simović was a guest today at the Radio of Montenegro, on the "Sundays about Countryside and Agriculture" show regarding the Agro budget for this year and the trends in the development of Montenegrin agriculture in general. In the context of supporting the development of the north, he especially pointed out that in the Agro budget only were created 24 rural measures for rural development, in the amount of EUR 32.7 million. "This means that in this year we have a growth of funds of over 9 million euros or about 40 percent to support rural development, Simović said while reminding that last year a dominating number of realized projects and support funds was in the north.

According to Simović, the amount of funds for the implementation of measures to improve the quality of life on the countryside has been significantly increased. "The funds for the construction of infrastructure have been increased for about EUR 1 million, and for this purpose will be allocated EUR 2.260.000," Simovic said, adding that the Government is also investing significant funds in the implementation of projects to improve other infrastructure needed for rural areas such as educational and other needs of the population. He also announced that starts construction and equipping of the Agriculture House for the North of Montenegro in Bijelo Polje, where all expert and advisory services will be consolidated and will become a recognizable address of all manufacturers in the north.

Speaking of the overall support to Montenegrin agriculture, which covers three areas with Agro budget: agriculture (within which is rural development), fisheries and operational programs, Simović expressed satisfaction that the Agro budget this year increased by 31 percent and amounted to EUR 52.4 million. He reiterated the assessment that the Agro budget is both European and domestic, as it represents an expression of the EU's provided support, as support to Montenegro's overall progress on its European path, the expression of Montenegro's agrarian policy, in financial and meaningful sense, with the increase of funds from the national budget as a responsible Government attitude towards valuable hosts and entrepreneurs and the strengthening of domestic institutions.

For a full press release in Montenegrin language click here.