STATUS AND MEASURE FOR IMPROVE PASTURE CONDITIONS IN THE EASTERN PLANNING REGION OF MACEDONIA

Abstract

The Eastern Planning Region occupies an area of 3548,7 km2 or 14,2% of the territory of the Republic of Macedonia. The region has 188.387 ha agricultural land. By that, the grasslands covers 119.504 ha, of which 110.640 ha under pastures and 8.864 ha under meadows, representing a significant source in the production of animal feed, especially in the mountainous areas of the region. On the other hand, on livestock unit comes 2,23 ha pasture area which shows that in this region livestock is poorly developed. As a consequence of this situation which from year to year deteriorates, pastures as a natural resource for providing feed degrade, reducing the quality of grass production and their economic value. In the absence of human factor as a corrector of the specific environmental conditions, hay production is relatively small, ranging from 300-600 kg-1ha-1. Considering the current situation, it is necessary to take certain agro-technical measures, such as introduction of methods of systematic grazing, overseeding, fertilization, weeds protection, etc., butalso introduced a system of organizational measures,as well a certain investments for larger agro and hydro technical operations how this status will be improved and agriculture but particularly livestock production become an important branch in economic development of this part of the country.