The impact of the drought on agricultural production and, consequently, on the income of agricultural economies in the district of Dibër is substantial. Only the agricultural cooperatives of Bellovë, Staravec and Sohodoll are expected to harvest over 40,000 kv fewer potatoes than they did last year. The drought is also having a considerable effect on the value of a day’s work through other agricultural products. The district agricultural bank is well aware of the situation, not only through studies but also through measures to encourage other activities that benefit the growth of rural incomes. “In August,” says agricultural bank director Jeton Shehu, “25 agricultural cooperatives improved their financial situation compared with July. In September, the aim is to improve the financial situation further. We are monitoring the progress of the campaign every day, going to inspect each cooperative.” Special programs have been drawn up for each economy, and their implementation is being monitored and encouraged by special teams. The main approach is to gather every agricultural product, fruit, medicinal plants, etc. Having set out along this path with a campaign, work has also begun to find other sources of income. Yesterday, the Okshtun agricultural cooperative received 200,000 lekë from the sale of packaging crates to enterprises in Elbasan. re - Rec, work is under way to expand activities for using forest by-products. Tucëpi is selling its fruit outside the district in crates it has made itself. Meanwhile, work has been planned to expand the campaign to build internal roads, dig drainage canals and secondary irrigation canals, increase production and expand sales of livestock products, etc. This monitoring has enabled Staravec, Stebleva and Kalaja e Dodës to repay their annual loans within August; Klenja, Bellova and Lura will repay their loans within September and support themselves, among other things, with the production of meat, cheese, wool, contract work, forest products, etc. Meanwhile, some economies, due both to the effects of the drought and to organizational weaknesses, continue to have uncovered expenses. The Shumbat agricultural cooperative has over 3,000 tons of limestone tuff; transporting it would help not only to improve its financial indicators but also to improve acidic soils in other agricultural cooperatives. Revising the price of potato seed would also affect the cooperatives’ financial situation. Such a measure now, when the seed potatoes are being dug up and prepared, would help not only to increase income and encourage responsibility for collecting every potato, but also to avoid spending foreign currency as a result of importing seed. Correspondent of “Zëri i popullit”

At present, there is a flurry of activity in the agricultural economies of the district of Berat. What is the situation? At the district People’s Council executive committee, they describe it as follows: so far, 75 percent of the sunflower area has been harvested across the district. Nearly all the economies in the plain zone have completed harvesting, including Lapardha, Poshnje, Syzezi, Kozarë and Gegë, while the economies in the hilly and mountainous zone—Rroshniku, Karkanjozi, Terpani, etc.—are still below 50 percent. About 20 percent of the planned quantity of grain maize has been harvested. Quite a few economies have not yet begun this process, such as Lapardhaja, Syzezi, Rroshniku, Karkanjozi, etc. What are they waiting for? There are also cases where harvested produce is left uncollected, or ripe crops are damaged in the fields. Is the situation being properly assessed under these circumstances? We say with conviction: no, when further losses are allowed after the damage caused by the drought. We would say the same about tobacco, of which no more than 52 percent of the area has been harvested so far, while only 750 kv of cotton have been picked out of the planned 17,200 kv. As can be seen, the slow pace is turning into production losses. You hear people say that the severe drought has greatly damaged production. As a result, the “accounts” show a loss. This should not lead to slowing the harvesting pace or delaying collection; on the contrary. The seriousness of management is more necessary than ever at such “critical points,” where, amid a multitude of tasks, each must be given its due so that nothing is lost. ASLLAN SARAÇI

On the eve of September 11, the Day of Innovators The economic mechanism—a field for creative thinking On the eve of September 11, the Day of Innovators PEOPLE IN THE VANGUARD, BEARERS OF PROGRESS The economic mechanism—a field for creative thinking It is understandable that now, with only a few days separating us from September 11, the district council of the professional unions is full of information about innovative creative work in the district. Here is what we learn, for example, from a report sent by the Gurit të Kuq iron-nickel mine, the most prominent in the district of Pogradec for its innovative work: “Over the course of one year, 132 proposals have been made here, 90 of which have been implemented, bringing an annual economic benefit of 200,000 lekë.” Twelve studies have also been carried out, involving 41 specialists. Here are some studies that have been put into practice: to make use of idle capacity at the iron-nickel enrichment plant and increase the mine’s income, the talented engineer Arjan Merolli carried out a study for setting up a line to produce the chromium concentrate extracted alongside the iron in the mine’s sectors. - POGRADEC - And across the district as a whole? There are many innovations in engineering, technology and the economic mechanism. Since July 1 of this year, the new economic mechanism has been in effect. This mechanism has, in itself, called for innovative creative thinking in an area that until now has been regarded as outside the scope of innovation. Anyone in Pogradec would readily call the director of the trading enterprise for miscellaneous goods, Shyqyri Buzo, an innovator: with his creative organizational abilities, he has paved the way for the successful implementation of the new economic mechanism in the field of goods circulation, also incorporating aspects of production, as in the case of producing velenxa for export. The head of the finance department at the food enterprise, Thoma Pano, can also be called an innovator: he took the accountant’s pencil beyond routine bookkeeping, uncovering real opportunities to increase net income at this enterprise, which operates with its own accounts. And further: is Kamber Xhixhba, head of the brickworks, not also an innovator? Thanks to his organizational abilities and economic thinking, this factory, which has long struggled with difficulties, has begun to turn things around. We could say the same about Vexhi Berberi, head of the planning department at the Alarup limestone mine, and many others. Today, the concept of “innovator” has naturally taken on such dimensions. Moreover, after every invention, rationalization, or new production line, the question is also asked: what economic benefit does it bring? KOSTAQ DUKA

Innovative thinking leaves its mark in every enterprise, in every department. From innovations introduced in a single year, the district of Elbasan has gained 21 million lekë, while many others are still in the process of being implemented. The fruits of this can be seen from the key [unclear] of the NB, “Syrja Dylgjëri,” to the metallurgical combine “Çeliku i Partisë,” which for years has served as a laboratory of innovative work and radiated experience throughout the district and beyond. Behind the new rationalizations each year are also the names of the youngest innovators, which once again reflects the broad interests of the workers and their rising technical and professional level. But having made these observations about innovative work, if asked how it is monitored and supported, we would answer that here it is dominated by campaign-style activity. And here is how: in the industry section and in the other enterprise of the executive committee, you do not get much of an answer to the question of— Other studies with economic value include a study to replace timber with metal supports in the Gurit të Kuq sector, carried out by engineer Robert Besholli; a study by engineer Genci Jorgoni on introducing new methods for extracting the ore, etc. They say that the problems of innovative work are monitored by one instructor and that he alone has the information! At last we also meet the instructor, Vladimir Tashi, who has photographs of 10 innovators in a folder; they are to be displayed in the city center. We ask to learn about the concrete work of each of them, but, like every instructor, he does not know what they have in common or what sets them apart. Apparently, one basic criterion for selecting them was the “geography” of the district’s enterprises. He cannot answer the question of which innovation is the most significant across the district. “We asked the chief engineer of the metallurgical combine, and we also asked the other enterprises in the district about the share represented by innovations, because we need the information now for September 11, but they haven’t given us any clarifications,” he adds. Meanwhile, we learn that the nickel-cobalt plant has gained 4 million lekë from innovative work, but it is not known who carried out the innovations (indeed, none of the 10 outstanding innovators in the district is from this plant), nor do they know the extent to which the innovations have been put into practice. innovative work, but the authors are not known (indeed, none of the district’s 10 outstanding innovators is from this plant), just as they do not know to what extent the innovations have been implemented. To give as complete a picture as possible of how innovative work is monitored by the district professional unions, we reproduce another part of the conversation: Who is the most outstanding innovator this year, and what will he be honored with? We have not compared the innovators with one another to single out the best. As for incentives, we have considered giving 150 innovators certificates of recognition and distributing books to them at an event we are organizing for September 11. It is easy to see, without going further, that these practices do not support innovative work. The “lens” of bureaucracy cannot recognize its value. Indeed, often, whether intentionally or not, it becomes an obstacle. SEDIN CEKANI

LIBRAZHD Work is underway everywhere to reduce as much as possible the negative effects of the drought. «The day’s campaign in agriculture,» Rexhep Lamçe, chief agronomist in the agriculture section, tells us, «is the loss-free gathering of late-season crops and ensuring the livestock’s feed supply. Although there has been rain in recent days, day-and-night irrigation of maize, late vegetables, second-cut fodder crops, etc. has not been abandoned. The agricultural enterprises in Përrenjas, Zdranjsh, Qukës, Dragostunjë, etc. have organized irrigation work better. But during two inspections organized by the executive committee, water wastage was found in the Letmi cooperative. Wastage was also found in certain brigades in Stravaj, Xhyrë, Polis, Mirakë and another agricultural enterprise.» So, apparently, everything is being blamed on the weather. This year’s yields are convincing evidence. Across the district, the uprooting and storage of beans is nearing completion. Some brigades met their targets because care was taken with irrigation. Apart from the NB of Tyra, Përrenjas and Bërzeshta also came close, while the other enterprises incurred considerable shortfalls. The potato harvest continues as a campaign. So far, 70 percent of the crop has been stored. Përrenjas and Stravaj have organized the work better, relying on the youth organizers for the campaign. The last leaves are being picked from the tobacco plants. But the task is not being fulfilled. Attention has focused on processing to improve quality, which would also increase revenues. The fruit-picking campaign began a few days ago, ensuring that the annual target is met. This is the second year that this sector has achieved its targets. Grape harvesting has also begun across the district. The district youth committee has set the campaign to collect chestnuts in the Gurakuq massif as one of its objectives. The good results in fruit growing have made it possible to re- (Continued on page 2)

Yesterday, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Reis Malile, received the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Mali to the People’s Socialist Republic of Albania, Tidiani Guisse, in connection with the forthcoming presentation of his credentials to the Chairman of the Presidium of the People’s Assembly of the People’s Socialist Republic of Albania, Comrade Ramiz Alia. (ATA)

As part of Albanian-Chinese cultural exchanges, the Albanian Committee for Cultural and Friendly Relations with the Outside World and the National Historical Museum organized the opening of the exhibition yesterday afternoon in one of the museum’s halls As part of Albanian-Chinese cultural exchanges, the Albanian Committee for Cultural and Friendly Relations with the Outside World and the National Historical Museum organized the opening yesterday afternoon, in one of the museum’s halls, of the exhibition «Traditional and Modern Chinese Tapestry». It features 62 works, mainly textiles, embroidery and weaving using carpet-making techniques, etc., reflecting the Chinese people’s creative artistic force. Cultural and artistic institution employees, painters, workers from artistic enterprises, journalists, young men and women, etc. attended the ceremony held on this occasion. Also present were the chairman of the Co- (Continued on page 3)

Amateur performers in the villages of Durrës district have enlivened cultural and artistic life. The premiere of «Variety 90», featuring songs and humor, was staged at the cultural palace of the NB «8 Nëntori». This time, the guests were Durrës actors Muharrem Hoxha and Gani Kalaja, who were applauded along with performances by amateur performers from Sukth, such as Mimosa Musai, Zudi Sabli, Shpëtim Xhaxhallari, etc. This premiere is also being staged for art lovers at the neighboring NBs of Rrushkull and Hamallaj. The literary material provides an incentive for the work of implementing the decisions of the Party Central Committee’s recent plenums. (According to ATA)

Foreign economic relations The metal consumer-goods industry has also taken its first steps toward cooperation with foreign firms. The Gjirokastër metal factory will produce umbrellas using the technology and raw materials of an Italian firm. Installation of the production-line machinery will begin in the existing premises and will be carried out in two phases. The first will be completed soon and will make it possible to start production in October. Thus, in the fourth quarter of this year, people will be able to use this product, which will be of high quality and available in a wide range. The second phase, which includes equipping the line with the necessary technology, will be completed by the end of the first half of next year, when the line will also reach full capacity. Twenty-five thousand umbrellas will be produced each month. This product will account for 5 million lekë of the factory’s total industrial output, while the value of exports from the joint production will be 900,000 lekë. Our side’s payment will be settled through production on the line itself. Cooperation with foreign firms has also expanded to include other products made by this factory. Of interest will be joint production with a West German firm of items such as spoons, forks, knives, etc. This line, too, will be set up using the technology and raw materials of the commissioning firm. Around 80 workers will be employed on it. After the offers arrived, the first samples were produced and were well received by the foreign specialists. The two sides will soon begin the necessary follow-up steps to pave the way for joint production, which will start in the first quarter of next year. This output will be for the domestic market and for export. Here, too, payment will be settled through the sale of its products. AGRON SEJAMIN

At the Koman station. (Photo: R. Zeneli)