The Vau i Dejës area is known for the production and processing of agricultural and livestock products. The fertile fields of northern Zadrima and Bushati have ensured abundant and high-quality yields, not only meeting local needs but also exporting to neighboring regions such as Shkodra and Lezha. Furthermore, Zadrima is mentioned for the first time in history, in the 12th century, by Anna Komnena, as a prosperous agricultural region and a place of battles with the empires of the East and West. The mountainous areas of Shllaku and Temali, primarily focused on livestock production due to their mountainous terrain, stand out for producing dairy products such as milk and its by-products, as well as meat and fish from the lakes of Vau i Dejës and Koman, and others.
In addition, with the milder climate, various types of citrus fruits such as lemons, oranges, and fewer varieties of citrons are increasingly being cultivated. Olive cultivation with different varieties also holds importance in this area.
The region is also rich in fruits such as apples, figs, plums, pears, quinces, chestnuts, pumpkins, peppers, and more. Some of the fruits are processed to make compotes, jams, preserves, and fruit juices.
Vegetables play an important role in the agricultural production of the Vau i Dejës area. The Mjeda and Hajmeli zones, particularly the Bushati area with villages like Barbullush, Melgushë, Rranza, and Kosmaçë, are good producers of various vegetables. They cultivate all kinds of vegetables including tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, pumpkins, and beans. In the mountainous area, potatoes, beans, and cabbage are more typical.
Cows, pigs, sheep, and goats are raised and bred in the Vau i Dejës area. The cheeses produced are of high quality, both fresh and aged. Almost everywhere in the territory of Vau i Dejës, the meats are of very good quality since the livestock primarily feed in nature. Additionally, the region is known for processing pork, producing smoked meat, prosciutto, and other by-products.
In terms of medicinal plants collected in the Vau i Dejës area, we can mention Trumza, Dëllinjë e Zezë, Sherbela, Wild Chamomile, Agulica, Mëllaga, and more.
Various types of grapes are cultivated and processed into vineyards throughout the Vau i Dejës region, with one of the most well-known varieties being Kallmet, from which the wine of the same name is produced. Throughout the territory of Vau i Dejës, from Shllaku and Temali to Barbullush and Rranza, grape brandy of very good quality is produced. Especially in the Zadrima area, where the Kallmet variety is cultivated. Other types of brandy are also produced, such as apple, pear, and mulberry brandy. Grape juice and must are also produced.
Beekeeping is widespread, and various types of honey are produced, such as Trumza honey, chestnut honey in mountainous areas, and honey from various flowers.
The rich agricultural products also create opportunities for a diverse cuisine with unique flavors from the region. Among the traditional dishes of the area, we can mention cornmeal porridge, buckwheat dishes, roasted goat meat, and more.
By exploiting the presence of abundant water resources in the area, fish farming is practiced, especially trout, which is of very good quality, thanks to the high quality of the flowing waters.
