In the village Golubovići in Municipality Rogatica, Izet Bahtanović made a large plantation of raspberries, thus fulfilling his perennial dream to return to his birthplace and to the plantation.
Bahtanović planted 6000 seedlings of raspberries on 5 dunums of land and they are expecting good yields. They are estimating to collect approximately 4 tons of raspberries, which is the product with high demand so that the market for raspberries from plantations is already secured.
“If we could get a bit more help from the state, we would be able to expand,” said Izet Bahtanović.
And because of the lack of better attitude towards the returnees, Izet had big problems on the beginning.
In order to make the plantation, Izet applied for a loan in the amount of 30 000 BAM on the basis of Turkish credit lines for help to the returnees, and he offered a mortgage with a value much higher than the amount he requested. However, the bank insisted to provide guarantors, which Izet would not agree even if he would never realize his dream of a plantation.
“They asked me for guarantors and I asked them why, if I already have a mortgage that is worth more than I asked for. They said that anything could happen. I told them that I do not want that, because I cannot trap my friends like that and gave up,” said Bahtanović.
But this returnee witnessed the miracle because the help came unexpectedly. At the time when his dream of plantation and life in his hometown was falling apart, his friends from Australia to America started calling. They heard about his problem and they did not allow him to give up.
“They’re from different places. One is from Žepa, another from Ustikolina, the third from Donji Vakuf. They gave me money with repayment term when I can,” said Izet.
Izet’s daughter Amina is thrilled with her father’s business. The family is proudly showing raspberries from their plantations and hopes for a good yield.
“The best thing is to work and to see the results of your work,” added this returnee.
In the coming year, he is planning to produce raspberry seedlings which will be used to expand the plantation, and some of them should remain for sale, since the production of raspberries is becoming a real trend in B&H.
(Source: klix.ba)
