It is not possible to develop modern agriculture without modern technology. This was what the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Forestry Prof. Dr. Hristo Bozukov said at the official opening of the Specialized Agricultural Exhibition BATA AGRO, held at the airport of Stara Zagora. He highlighted that the replacement of outdated equipment and the need to move to modern methods of production are the way ahead for the Bulgarian farmer, who has ambitions to develop and reach new markets.
The Minister of Agriculture added that activities under measure 4.1 "Investments in agricultural holdings" of the Rural Development Program 2014-2020 are aimed at farmers who want to modernize their production. "Support under this measure includes financial assistance of at least 50% of the amount of costs one may apply for. Otherwise, this makes the measure so attractive for much-needed investments, including agricultural machinery, "he explained.
"Out of the approved projects under this measure, 943 include investments in agricultural machinery. The amount of the approved costs for these projects is estimated to BGN 650,027,753, while the approved subsidy amounts to BGN 380,055,366,” the minister added.
Minister Hristo Bozukov explained that 6,505 new wheeled tractors and 942 new combine harvesters were registered in the country for the period 2015-2020. According to him, it is necessary to gradually and smoothly make machinery renewal with new more contemporary, reliable and better energy machines, which would lead to more modern, safer and more productive agriculture in Bulgaria.
"Bulgaria is a country with potential in the field of agriculture. We have to work together to develop the best traditions of our agriculture, useful and successful practices so that the work of farmers can become a profitable business, "concluded the Minister of Agriculture.
He greeted the organizers of the exhibition for their efforts to present the best in the field of agricultural machinery. The Specialized Agricultural Exhibition BATA AGRO will last until June 5. This year, 183 companies with an area of nearly 40,000 square meters are participating. The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Forestry presents an information stand, where experts on-site will give explanations to any farmer who wants to apply for a project under RDP.