Even 70-year-old grandmothers pick blueberries on Bjelašnica, purchase price never lower

Blueberry pickers have literally flooded Bjelašnica and Igman, Olympic beauties which this year have tasty and healthy fruits for export, writes the Patria News Agency. However, due to its yield this year, the price of blueberries is somewhat lower compared to last year, so the purchase price in this period is four KM per kilogram, and it can be bought at markets for five KM.

Last year, the price per kilogram was around 7 KM. Stronger pickers claim they can pick up to 50 kg per day if they use a "comb", a tool that almost every blueberry picker has.

Muamer D. (30), a Sarajevan with a university education, goes to the mountains every weekend to pick blueberries and earn some money, as well as to breathe fresh air.

- I usually hike, but since this year, due to the overall situation in the country, I am trying to monetize my love for nature. Bjelašnica is literally full of blueberry and medicinal herb pickers on weekends, and one can earn a considerable amount of money daily - says Muamer.

He adds that this job is not easy, because the thorns scratch your hands, but that people have no other way to secure some income.

- Believe me, I meet 70-year-old grandmothers picking blueberries and herbs, and it is hardest for them to carry full buckets. Then I know to help, I leave my things and help them - Muamer added.

Experts, on the other hand, warn of caution when using the "comb" for picking blueberries, as it can irreversibly destroy them.

- Of course, one must be careful, but it is difficult to pick blueberries one by one. But, nature must be preserved - Muamer added.