The spring harvest of zucchini, cultivated in tunnels in the Vojvodina region, has begun, with prices in markets and supermarkets starting at 80 dinars per kilogram.

Local farmers report that although their produce is of high quality, comparable to imported zucchini, they are facing disappointing prices, ranging from 30 to 40 dinars per kilogram.

This price point does not align with their production costs, creating challenges for growers.

Đorđe Babić, a farmer from Kovilj, near Novi Sad, who has been cultivating spring zucchini for over a decade, expressed concerns about current pricing, stating that the cost of raising zucchini in tunnels is approximately 2,000 euros per hectare.

He outlined several factors contributing to high production expenses, including labor costs at 500 dinars per hour, market entry fees of 2,000 dinars, and expenses for fuel, seeds, fertilizers, irrigation, and agro-cover, all of which need to be paid upfront.

Babić suggests that to attain even modest profitability of around 20,000 dinars per ton, wholesale prices should be about 50 dinars per kilogram.

Currently, with prices at 30 to 40 dinars per kilogram, many growers find themselves barely breaking even or operating at a loss.

Babić anticipates additional produce this season, including melons, potatoes, peppers, cauliflower, and cabbage, all of which will be irrigated as needed.

He reports that he has successfully direct-sown peppers, which have already germinated, while cauliflower and cabbage were recently planted and will be transplanted in 15 to 20 days.

Despite these efforts, Babić noted that larger producers who do not partner with retail chains are likely to struggle with selling their vegetables.

He indicated that the market for spring zucchini is already weak, and although this season is expected to wrap up in about two weeks, the influx of summer and autumn vegetables will follow.

Other vegetables are also slow to sell at the Kvantaša market, with many products still to arrive from open-field farming.

In recent market conditions, Babić reported being unable to sell more than 200 kilograms of zucchini in one evening at Novi Sad’s Kvantaša market, despite having substantial quantities ready for harvest.

Since March, a significant number of zucchini have been imported and continue to affect local market prices.

Babić initially planted zucchini in greenhouses and moved them outdoors by April 1, intending for them to be ready between May 1 and May 5, aiming to align with the pricing of imported zucchinis, which were priced at around 120 dinars during that period.

However, due to colder weather, his harvest was delayed until May 15, which resulted in a considerable loss of potential earnings.

The competition from imports is not only a challenge for zucchini growers but also impacts the entire vegetable market, as excess imports of other vegetables crowd out domestic production.

Babić emphasized that Vojvodina offers the necessary conditions and skilled farmers capable of meeting local vegetable demand.