Farmers Switching to Hazelnut Production

Source from:  Tobacco Reporter 04/13/2012

Bulgarians living in the Rhodope Mountains are taking up hazelnut production as an alternative to the tobacco and potatoes traditionally produced in the region, according to a Focus News Agency story quoting a Smolyan Radio report and Ivaylo Gelov, chief agronomist with the District Directorate for Agricultural Advice. The other alternative crops being grown in the region are walnuts, apples, tomatoes and cucumbers, which, according to Gelov, grow well in the region's lower-lying areas, such as the municipalities of Madan, Nedelino and Zlatograd. The farmers seem to be making a long-term commitment in planting hazelnut trees because, Gelov says, they need 4-5 years to bear fruit. Some farmers are said to have started planting such trees 2-3 years ago. Enditem