Within the project “Strengthening Disaster Resilience in Agriculture”, nine demo centers have been established with over 120 demo fields where agricultural producers are encouraged and empowered to adopt modern and sustainable practices in their production.
During the installation of solar panels at the demo center of the Agricultural Development Company "Zlatiborski Eko Agrar", we spoke with Željko Petrović about the importance of the demo center, the equipment provided through the project, and activities that are being implemented.
1. How will the solar panels be used in the demo center?
At the demo center, solar panels will play a key role in enhancing sustainable agricultural practices through several functional aspects. Their primary purpose will be the production of electricity to power the already installed irrigation pump, enabling reliable and energy-efficient irrigation of agricultural land. Additionally, the plan is to connect the solar panels to other power consumers within the company, further reducing dependence on conventional energy sources and increasing the system’s energy self-sufficiency.
The area beneath the solar panels will also be regularly maintained – grass will be mowed and used as bulky livestock feed. In this way, the space under the panels will be integrated into the farm’s production cycle, maximizing the use of available land and contributing to a circular resource management model. This approach also promotes agroecological balance and demonstrates good practice in combining renewable energy with livestock production.
2. What other equipment has been provided through the project, and how is it being used?
In addition to the solar panels, the project has provided additional equipment that significantly contributes to the modernization and improvement of the irrigation system on the farm. Specifically, three solar pumps, equipment for installing an underground irrigation and drainage system, and a trenching machine have been obtained. Although this equipment has not yet been used, it is planned to be activated soon. The goal is to enable more efficient water resource management, reduce water loss, and increase the productivity of cultivated crops. This equipment represents an important step toward sustainable and smart agriculture, enhancing the system's resilience to climate change and improving the use of land and energy resources.
3. Can you tell us more about specific activities carried out under the project and the initial reactions of local farmers?
Numerous concrete activities aimed at improving livestock and crop farming practices have been carried out within the project. One of the key measures was direct seeding on grasslands and pastures on several farms, resulting in noticeable improvements in pasture quality, an increase in the number of plant species, and better livestock nutrition. Also, liming of the soil was carried out for some users, which improved the chemical properties of the soil and created better conditions for plant growth. Alongside this, a series of meetings with local farmers were organized, where the project's goals, planned activities, and ways for interested farmers to get involved were presented.
The initial reactions from farmers were very positive; they recognized the tangible benefits of the activities and especially appreciated the direct technical support and practical solutions applied in the field. These activities further contributed to better cooperation and trust between farmers and project partners.
4. How does this project contribute to the broader strategy of sustainable agricultural development in Serbia’s mountainous areas?
This project directly contributes to the strategy of sustainable agricultural development in Serbia’s mountainous regions by applying innovative, energy-efficient, and agroecologically friendly solutions tailored to the specific conditions of these areas. The installation of solar panels and solar pumps has enabled the use of renewable energy in daily farming practices, significantly reducing dependence on fossil fuels and increasing the system’s resilience to external factors, including climate change.
The implementation of underground irrigation and drainage systems promotes the rational use of water, which is particularly important given the limited access to resources in mountainous areas.
Activities such as direct seeding, soil liming, and farmer education strengthen the foundation for preserving and improving grasslands, which are essential for sustainable livestock production in these regions. The project also has a strong component of community empowerment through knowledge transfer, technical support, and capacity building, encouraging young people to remain in rural areas and contributing to the development of the local economy.
In this way, the project serves as a model of good practice that can be replicated in other rural communities with similar conditions.
Project “Strengthening Disaster Resilience in Agriculture” is funded by the European Union and implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), with the support of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Water Management of the Republic of Serbia and other local partners.