Bulgarians in Rhodope Mountains Plant Hazel Trees as Alternative to Potatoes And Tobacco, Says Expert

Source from:  FOCUS News Agency 10/08/2012

Smolyan. Bulgarians living in the Rhodope Mountains are taking up hazelnut production as an alternative to the crops traditional for the region - potatoes and tobacco, agronomist Ivaylo Gelov, chief expert with District Directorate for Agricultural Advice, told FOCUS - Smolyan Radio. The other alternative crops in the mountainous region are walnuts, apples, tomatoes and cucumbers, which, according to the agronomist, grow well in the district's lower areas, such as the municipalities of Madan, Nedelino and Zlatograd. According to the expert hazel trees need 4-5 years to bear fruit. As to the producers in the municipality of Smolyan, 2-3 years have elapsed and their undertaking will generate results in a few years. Each producer is granted EUR 7,500 for a five-year period and the money is distributed equally. Enditem