Republika Srpska prisons reduce budget costs through agricultural production

Republika Srpska correctional facilities are achieving significant budget savings by producing their own food through internal agricultural and livestock operations. Minister of Justice Goran Selak stated that these farms produce large quantities of meat, dairy, fruits, and vegetables to feed both inmates and staff.

This system operates in facilities located in Banja Luka, Foča, East Sarajevo, Bijeljina, Doboj, and Trebinje. The Minister emphasized that inmate participation in these activities is voluntary and serves as a form of work therapy to aid in the rehabilitation process, rather than as a punishment.

In Foča, the "Drina" economic unit manages livestock, pig farming, cattle, sheep, and beekeeping. Surplus products from the Foča farm are sold on the open market through a tourism complex and the Brioni Motel. A similar model is also utilized by the Banja Luka facility at its Trn semi-open department, which operates a modern pig farm.