Horticulture sector of Moldova in the transition period to the market economy
Arakawa, O. and Ogawa, J.M.
HortScience. Volume 29, Number 3, Mar 1994. Pages 189-190.
2002
บทคัดย่อ
Moldova, being the second smallest Republic of the Former Soviet Union, was one of the main suppliers of horticultural products for USSR markets. It formerly produced and exported annually 1.5 million tons of fruits, 0.9 million tons of grapes, 1.2 million tons of fresh vegetables. In 2001 the total yield of grapes was about 400,000 tons, 252,000 tons of fruit and 320,000 tons of vegetables. Vegetable growing has particular significance since it provides canneries with raw materials. Vegetables, like other farm products, are an important export item. Formerly an exporting country, Moldova became an importer of horticulture products. Per capita consumption of horticultural products dropped significantly, especially for vegetables: from 123 kg/inhabitant in 1990 to 62 kg in 2001. Can the horticulture sector of Moldova succeed in the period of Land Reform and transition of the country to the market economy? The an swer lies in its opportunities rather than in its failures. Moldova, in terms of soil, climate and its geographic neighbors, can become a recognized source of high-value horticultural products, maintaining the leading position regarding exports of fruits, vegetables, grapes and their respective processed products, which is providing the biggest part of income of the budget of Moldova. The Government of Moldova considers that horticultural production is of national interest. Horticultural products offer a competetive advantage compared to other agricultural products. This sector is regarded as vital with respect to food supply, source of income and employment for the Moldovan people. Moreover, due to its good reputation in the former Soviet markets, Moldovan products still offer significant market potential. It requires only limited investment and time to upgrade this sector.