Positive Story from Zenica: Greenhouses, Strawberries and Fruit Processing as the Foundation of Sustainable Agriculture

(Patria) - At a time when food prices are rising and the market is flooded with imported products, domestic agriculture is showing its true value. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, many producers invest daily efforts to ensure healthy food. Below, we bring a story from Zenica – where greenhouses, strawberries and fruit processing lay the foundations of a modern, sustainable agriculture.

Despite numerous life challenges, and even a 70 percent disability, Sanel Šuša from Zenica has been building a successful agricultural story since 2011. More than 900 kg of strawberries are produced here annually. After numerous difficulties in raspberry farming, he turned to greenhouse production in 2018. On 815 square meters, he owns eight greenhouses.

SANEL ŠUŠA, farmer from Zenica

"I have a line for producing juices, marmalades and other products, it is active and last year I processed over 15 tons of fruit into juice alone. In the future, I see myself in seedling production, growing strawberries for my own needs and the needs of friends: tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, watermelons."

He passes on his work ethic and values to his thirteen-year-old son Ajdin, who actively participates in every part of the production.

AJDIN ŠUŠA, Sanel's son

"I help my parents very often and it's not hard for me. Some people bring strawberries or apples or pears, then they are washed, then ground, put to squeeze the juice, then put in the pasteurizer and then I pour it."

Sanel's modesty is his trademark. And it is precisely because of this that his results often surprise those who know him. And that a whole community stands behind Sanel is confirmed by the neighbors who have supported him from the very beginning.

MUNIRA HECO

"I have been supporting Sanel from the first day he got married. People come, buy, as the years go by people come, whoever knows him calls him on the phone."

ALMIR HECO

"When he first started, I was quite skeptical that it would succeed, as it is now. Every day it gets better and better regarding his plans. He has my support, whatever he needs to help him, I am the first neighbor."

SANEL ŠUŠA, farmer from Zenica

"I am generally modest in life and do not have big appetites, so when others look at me they wonder how I manage."

In the greenhouses, he grows strawberries with special care, building years of trust and experience in their production and purchase, which is why he is today recognized as a reliable partner among local producers.

SANEL ŠUŠA, farmer from Zenica

"It is the fourth year I have been dealing with fruit and vegetable processing. From this year, I plan tomato sauce, marmalades, jams and so on, meaning the complete range of products from the greenhouse can be made."

The construction of a facility is underway which, with a final investment of around 10,000 KM, could become the first registered agricultural processing plant for all types of agricultural products in Zenica. Another step towards the dream being built – through work, faith and perseverance.