Ministry: Possibility of storing up to 1.500 tons of watermelon for a period of up to 30 days provided

The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management announced tonight that by the end of working hours today, representatives of producers from the municipalities of Tuzi and Zeta had submitted a list of producers with a market surplus of watermelon.

"According to the data provided, fifteen producers currently have approximately 1.300 tons of watermelon, which the producers believe is not possible to place on the market at this time. Immediately upon receiving the data, the Ministry immediately undertook activities to find a solution to overcome the situation. In intensive cooperation with the management of AD 'Plodovi Crne Gore', in a very short time the possibility of storing up to 1.500 tons of watermelon for a period of up to 30 days was ensured, which provides producers with additional space for product placement and creates conditions for market stabilization," the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management said in a statement.

The government department, headed by Vladimir Joković, added that the storage option will be available to producers next week, after the completion of the necessary organizational activities, which, according to the statement, will be notified in a timely manner.

"Given that retail chains are continuously purchasing quantities that meet their daily needs, it is reasonable to expect that the recorded market surplus will gradually be placed on the domestic market in the next month. By undertaking the above activities, the Ministry, in accordance with its competences, has ensured the conditions for intervention in the market and fulfilled the legal prerequisites for the implementation of measures to regulate the market of agricultural products," the statement reads.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management said that they will continue to monitor the market situation in the coming period, and that, in cooperation with all relevant entities, they are undertaking activities aimed at preserving market stability and protecting the interests of domestic agricultural producers.

"The entire storage costs will be borne by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management," the statement said.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management earlier today asked watermelon producers to submit a list with data on potential market surpluses and available quantities.