As part of the IRIS Project, a three-day study visit was organized from 13 to 15 October 2025 in the Bratislava and Nitra regions of the Slovak Republic, with the aim of promoting opportunities for the growth of commercial and semi-commercial agro-rural businesses through knowledge and practical experience exchange.
The study program was facilitated by Mr. Michal Baričič from Be Grower s.r.o., Pezinok, and brought together 12 participants, including farmers, irrigation providers, representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Development (MAFRD), municipalities, and the IRIS Project team.
Objectives
The overall objective of the visit was to encourage the development of agro-rural businesses by exposing participants to successful models of sustainable agricultural water management. Specifically, the visit aimed to:
Expose farmers, irrigation providers, and institutional staff to Slovak best practices in irrigation, sustainable horticulture, and agricultural water management;
Enhance productivity, profitability, and sustainability in the irrigation sector through practical learning and institutional cooperation.
Activities
The program combined field visits, academic discussions, and policy-level exchanges, all designed to provide participants with both theoretical insights and practical experience.
Participants visited Slovak farms and research institutions where they learned firsthand about modern irrigation systems, water-saving technologies, and circular horticulture practices used in fruit, vegetable, and greenhouse production.
Results
The study visit provided a valuable platform for sharing knowledge and fostering collaboration between Kosovo and Slovakia in the field of agricultural water management. Through this activity, participants achieved the following outcomes:
Improved understanding of efficient irrigation and water-saving techniques in horticulture;
Enhanced knowledge of Slovak government policies and programs supporting irrigation and sustainable agriculture;
Strengthened cooperation among farmers, irrigation providers, and public institutions;
Exposure to innovative irrigation system reconstruction and modernization practices.
This initiative represents an important step toward building the capacities of Kosovo’s irrigation sector and promoting sustainable agro-rural development through international cooperation and exchange.
The Slovak Republic, known for its well-organized irrigation networks and progressive approaches to agricultural sustainability, offers valuable experience for Kosovo. The study visit enabled participants to learn from Slovak farmers, irrigation experts, and institutions engaged in developing modern irrigation solutions. The activity was facilitated by Mr. Michal Baricic from Be Grower s.r.o., Pezinok.
The visit formed part of Component 2: Capacity Building to Increase Water Use Efficiency and Agricultural Productivity of the IRIS Project, implemented in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Development (MAFRD). It contributed to improving participants’ understanding of advanced irrigation management, efficient water use, and sustainable agricultural practices.