Abandoned land turned into a fruitful plum orchard in Marinici
Nisporeni district, also called the "plum region", has farmers who prove that hard work and perseverance can overcome hardship. In the village of Marinici, farmer Ion Croitoru has managed to transform an abandoned plot of land into a modern plum orchard. Despite the natural obstacles of recent years, he continues to invest, work and believe in the future of agriculture.
Ion Croitoru's orchard covers almost ten hectares. The activity is not easy at all. The drought and severe frosts this spring, but also in recent years, have considerably affected production.
"The years 2023 and 2024 were very dry. Part of the orchard dried up due to insufficient water. A lot depended on the flowering period. We also set fire, we have straw bales around even now. Part of the orchard was affected by frost", says the farmer.
However, Ion Croitoru's story is one of resistance, not failure. The farmer purchased a tractor and modern equipment to maintain the orchard, also benefiting from state subsidies to develop his business.
"We benefited from AIPA projects when setting up the plantation and later, a year or two later, when purchasing agricultural machinery. We have a 75 horsepower tractor, cultivator, sprinkler, discs and a plow", says Ion Croitoru.
Beyond the numbers, the entrepreneur remains a man of the community. Every year, he donates part of the plum harvest to the local kindergarten and school as a form of supporting healthy nutrition for children.
"Every year, I think this year too, I take part of the products as a charity to the village kindergarten and school. Not only do I feel fulfilled that I am giving, but I believe that if we can do something, we must do it, rather than growing thorns on these lands", said the farmer.
More details about Ion Croitoru's business, as well as other success stories, you can watch on Sunday, starting at 2:00 PM, on the show "Land and People" on Moldova1.
