The idea to create larger estates from distant, fragmented fields over the last decade has been attempted on 125,000 hectares in Serbia. Land consolidation, as some research shows, takes an average of three and a half years. In the end, not everyone is happy. The Ministry of Agriculture has set up a task force to draft the new law, and the aim is to make this process more efficient. One idea is to centralize and consolidate the land through the Ministry of Agriculture.
The new concept will rely on the development of digitization in government. Data from all available sources will be used. The ministry points out that at present, the biggest challenge is the lack of qualified personnel conducting this procedure.
– The consolidation will be planned from one place and the resources necessary for its implementation in a new synchronized way will be planned in advance – say the line ministry. – It is precisely the way of financing land consolidation and lack of money in local government budgets that is one of the main problems that hinders or hampers its implementation. The idea is to form specialized commissions to carry out the process of reconciliation with full-time employees who will have special qualifications, knowledge and experience to lead this complex process.
The Republic Geodetic Authority is also in the working group and is tasked with providing IT support. A unique geographic information system will be established, linking the Ministry of Agriculture and the Republic Geodetic Authority and specifically designed to support and facilitate the planning and implementation of land consolidation.
The new law should allow for more efficient use of agricultural land, increase land for food production, improve its management, and regulate property and legal relations – the Ministry of Agriculture points out. – Land consolidation should enable faster and cheaper construction of missing infrastructure in rural areas.
Certain surveys have shown that land consolidation saves farmers 3,300 dinars per hectare in central Serbia to 4,100 dinars in Vojvodina. They save on reduced production costs, especially for fuel and seeds.
Using new technologies, it is planned to introduce electronic exposure to the public. It will allow all landowners in the territory where the land is being used to participate and make their comments and remarks regardless of where they are located.
