Zoran Keserović, a professor at the Faculty of Agriculture in Novi Sad, has projected a decrease in Serbia's fruit production for 2023, attributing this to the high temperatures experienced. The anticipated yield is expected to fall between 1.22 and 1.25 million tons, marking a 5 to 8 percent decline from the previous year's output of approximately 1.45 million tons. Keserović highlighted a series of climatic challenges that have impacted the fruit sector, including a notable reduction in the previous year's harvest by 270 tons due to adverse weather conditions such as low temperatures in late April, hail damage, and subsequently, high temperatures.

These conditions particularly affected plum quality in Čacak, leading to dehydration and shriveling of the fruit. Furthermore, the cherry harvest in Serbia faced significant setbacks due to frost, notably in Šumadija and Western Serbia. However, Vojvodina reported satisfactory cherry yields, with quality produce achieving higher market prices, reaching up to 120 dinars per kilogram in certain regions, with the average price ranging from 80 to 90 dinars.

Source - https://www.freshplaza.com