Cattle Industry A Key Economic Sector

After farming, the cattle industry is the second most important economic activity in Bosnia. On average, each person in the country is matched by one steer (bullock), one goat, one pig, and three sheep. This shows how central animal farming is to everyday life. The animal hides—mainly from cattle—are tanned locally (processed into leather) and then exported to countries like Great Britain, France, and Austria. These Bosnian hides are known for their high quality and sell at excellent prices in international markets.

Fruit Production The Value of Dried Prunes

Another important export is dried prunes, which have become a valuable industry. In 1901 alone, prunes worth over $1,500,000 were exported from Bosnia. This trade provides much-needed income for many rural families and contributes to the country’s growing economy.

New Industries Sugar and Silk

The government has recently started producing beet sugar, and efforts are underway to develop silk farming (sericulture). The climate and landscape in Bosnia are particularly suitable for raising silkworms, and experts from Italy have been invited to train local people in this field. These experts teach farmers how to care for silkworms and grow mulberry trees, which are essential for silk production.

Government Support for Agriculture

The Bosnian government has taken active steps to support farmers and rural workers. It has:

Opened agricultural schools where boys can learn modern farming techniques.

Established training centers where girls can learn how to make butter and cheese, care for silkworms, and raise chickens and other farm animals Sofia Guided Tours.

Distributed seeds and farming tools to help farmers test and adopt new crops and methods.

Introduced new ideas in agricultural development.

These improvements are aimed at increasing farm productivity and boosting family incomes in rural areas.

Improving Livestock and Poultry Farming

To improve animal breeding, the government has established special farms and stud stations to raise better-quality horses, cattle, and sheep. Every year, livestock exhibitions are held in provincial capitals. Cash prizes are awarded to the best animals to encourage farmers to participate and improve their practices.

Poultry farming has also received great attention. The government operates at least twelve poultry farms that raise both game birds and domestic fowl. They distribute high-quality eggs from chickens, ducks, geese, and turkeys to farmers free of charge—as long as the farmers follow the official instructions on how to hatch and raise the birds.

This strategy has been a major success. Today, poultry is abundant throughout Bosnia. A chicken costs only 10 to 15 cents in local markets, and a goose or turkey can be bought for just 25 cents. In fact, turkeys are so common that they could almost be called the national bird of Bosnia!