Skopje, May 31 – Nearly 30,000 farmers ‘disappeared’ in six years in North Macedonia. While the number of unemployed people in the country fell below the threshold of 100,000 for the first time last year, this apparent improvement masks deeper structural problems. Statistical data reveal that from 2019 to 2023, overall employment actually declined in several key sectors—most notably in agriculture, where the loss of nearly 30,000 workers highlights a troubling and ongoing shift in the country’s labor landscape, reports zhurnal.mk.
Our analysis shows that the most significant drop has occurred in the agriculture sector. The number of employees in the “agriculture, forestry and fishing” sector was 91,434 in 2019, while by the end of 2023, that number had decreased to just 62,287. This represents a drop of 29,147 employees in just six years – a considerable decline that raises serious concerns about the future of this vital sector.
The decline in agricultural employment is not just a statistical issue, but a warning sign for policymakers and society as a whole. Agriculture is not only a source of income for a large portion of the rural population but also a fundamental pillar for the sustainable development of the country. Strengthening this sector can bring multiple benefits: increasing food security, reducing dependency on imports, stabilizing the prices of agricultural products, and improving the overall living standard for all citizens.
Unfortunately, ongoing emigration and a lack of interest among young people in working in agriculture have significantly contributed to this decline. One of the main reasons for this distrust is the delay in receiving subsidies and the unfair practices in the distribution of state aid, which have caused many young people to lose faith in this profession and choose migration as a safer path for their future.
While there has been an increase in employment in sectors such as “information and communication,” “financial intermediation,” and “public administration and defense,” it is essential to maintain a healthy balance in the employment structure in order to ensure a sustainable and self-sufficient economy in the long run.
In this context, turning attention back to agriculture is not only desirable but essential. North Macedonia must become more innovative and generous when it comes to policies that stimulate and support young farmers.
Original link: https://zhurnal.mk/gati-30-000-bujq-u-zhduken-per-gjashte-vjet/
