Tetovo bean production declines due to drought and labor shortages

Farmers in Tetovo are facing increasing difficulties in producing the region's traditional beans due to high temperatures and a lack of water for irrigation. Local growers report that production is shrinking annually as drought conditions worsen and irrigation infrastructure, such as canals, remains non-functional or poorly managed.

Beyond environmental factors, social issues are contributing to the decline. Farmers note that younger generations are moving away from agriculture due to the demanding nature of the work and a lack of supportive conditions. This shift has led to a situation where many families who once grew their own beans must now purchase them from markets, and some villages have lost all bean producers entirely.