According to Slobodan Bajović from the civic list “Work for My City”, the municipality of Nikšić has approximately 20 hectares of agricultural land, much of which remains either unused or inefficiently utilized. He emphasizes the need to address this issue by transforming agriculture from merely a food production mechanism into a vital tool for environmental preservation, sustainable practices, and community involvement in local development.

Bajović adds, “By channeling knowledge and resources into agricultural production, we can reinforce this foundational aspect, which is crucial for our development.”

He elaborates, “Through various tax incentives and other measures, we will motivate owners of uncultivated arable land to activate their properties. This includes: reduced tax rates for cultivated land, tax exemptions, and financial incentives for farmers, fostering the creation of farmers’ associations, and establishing municipal agricultural cooperatives. We aim to protect local producers by implementing environmental standards and taxes on imported goods that harm the ecosystem, particularly concerning packaging, production methods, and pollution caused by transportation. Additionally, we will consistently organize workshops and training sessions for farmers on eco-friendly practices, the benefits of associations, and best agricultural practices.”

Bajović asserts that local government must incentivize agricultural producers.

He states, “By setting up purchasing centers in strategically important agricultural locations where products will be bought at fair prices and stored efficiently—utilizing a digital platform linking producers directly with consumers—we will provide vital stability for farmers. This will also grant our citizens direct access to quality domestic products, further bolster the local economy, and reduce reliance on imports.” He notes the recent uncontrolled price hikes caused by import monopolies and the government’s inability to mitigate market distortions, which he believes have significantly diminished salary increases and adversely affected citizens’ living standards. He argues that establishing the municipal enterprise “Nikšić Trgovina” is essential to tackle these challenges.

“This enterprise will handle the distribution and sales of local products and manage the import and sale of critical food items necessary for consumers. The anticipated outcomes include more accurate pricing, lower costs for essential foods, bolstering local production, enhancing purchasing power, improving citizens’ quality of life, generating productive jobs, and fostering competition in the food market.”

Furthermore, we will aim to introduce advanced technologies in agriculture and livestock raising, along with developing fisheries in lakes and rivers. This approach will produce higher-quality goods, elevate standards, and inspire greater public interest in agriculture. By strategically planning segments of river flows and lakes for fisheries, we will ensure sustainable water resource use and boost fish populations. This initiative will also have additional tourism benefits, particularly in sport fishing, which is increasingly appealing.

Bajović adds that a Nikšić Agricultural Institute will be founded to formulate strategies for agricultural development, oversee project implementation, analyze outcomes, and promote new technologies. This institute will encourage quality, competitiveness, and innovation in local agricultural production, employing experts from Nikšić and its surrounding regions to provide top-notch support for agricultural producers.

He emphasizes, “Providing dedicated support to small agricultural producers, the backbone of Nikšić’s agricultural sector, is crucial. We will strengthen their position relative to larger producers through the aforementioned initiatives and specific measures designed for them.”

In the long term, efforts will focus on environmental conservation and sustainable development, including afforestation, wildlife management, enhancing hunting tourism, cultivating medicinal herbs, and advancing viticulture. These will form a continuous plan to ensure we pass on our natural heritage to future generations in even better condition.

“We will also offer our expatriates investment guarantees, tax incentives, access to essential information, and assistance with obtaining necessary permits. Our goal is to support them in investing their resources and contributing to the development of their hometown,” reads the statement from “Work for My City.”

Bajović assures that true realization of these plans will come through developing processing plants for fruits, vegetables, milk, and other agricultural products.

“Currently, a low processing level is a wasted opportunity. We will encourage the growth of these processing companies to provide high-value products suitable for export, thereby transforming our import-dependent economy into one that focuses on exporting quality goods that meet global standards.”

“Achieving this will require significant dedication and hard work, but it’s an investment in our foundation—a community, a living and working space, where tradition, independence, and freedom are preserved,” he concluded.

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