Written by: Berat Rukiqi
In many post-communist countries, high wheat yields are still a symbol of national pride. We often hear governments and political leaders boast about the amount of wheat produced as evidence of their economic success. But is this boasting a true indicator of economic development? Or is it a remnant of the communist mentality that hinders real progress?
During the communist era, grain yield was one of the main measures of economic success. Collectivization and industrialization policies often focused on agriculture, and state propaganda promoted the success of grain as a major achievement. This mentality continues to influence many countries that were once under communist rule and many others with leaders who are hostage to this ideology, including the party we have in power.
Performance figures: A false reflection of success and a tool for propaganda
While high wheat yields may indicate a healthy agricultural sector, in a given season and given climatic conditions, it is not a comprehensive indicator of economic development. Based on official statistics, Kosovo continues to import hundreds of millions of euros of cereals and flour. There is nothing wrong with not being self-sufficient in wheat and other products.
The problem lies elsewhere. Many countries with high wheat yields (India, countries of the Far East, countries of the African continent) still face poverty, high unemployment and a lack of modern infrastructure for economic development. Focusing on a single sector, ignoring others, creates an unbalanced and fragile economy.
The modern economy requires diversification and innovation. Countries aiming for sustainable development must invest in technology, education, health and other industrial sectors. This government is neither doing economic reform, nor diversification, nor investment, nor encouraging innovation. Boasting about wheat yields, social schemes, “living in supermarkets”, “3-meter-long bridges”, while neglecting these important aspects of development, is a limited mentality, poverty in ideas and ambitions and an obstacle to real economic progress.
While the wheat yield may be positive news, it cannot be used to cover up the government's colossal failures and the need for deep structural reforms and investments in other sectors of the economy. Kosovo continues to face major economic challenges, including migration, lack of investment in infrastructure, health, education and technology.
Is this Communist Mentality?
We can freely say that boasting about wheat yields is a legacy of the communist mentality, where agricultural production was the main symbol of state success (recall footage from Kinostudio and Stalin's films). Instead of focusing on indicators of general well-being, increasing living costs, significant infrastructure investments, preventing migration, and creating jobs from foreign investments, the Kurti government continues with the approach of using selective statistics and distorting numbers to cover up economic failures. Ultimately, high wheat yields may be an important achievement, but they should never be the only reason for pride for an entire government, without any results in economic development.
The way forward must be a New Way.
Kosovo must move away from this mentality and embrace a more holistic approach to economic development. This cannot be done without vision, work, knowledge and a team. This Government has none of these. The new approach includes structural reforms, improving the business climate, legal certainty and predictability, foreign investment, investment in human capital and the promotion of innovation and technology.
True and sustainable economic development requires a broader perspective and investments in all aspects of society and the economy. We have this perspective and these investments in the development and transformation program for the country "Rruga e Re".
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