Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia

At present, the biggest challenge faced by the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia, LEPL National Food Agency and for all state structural units of the Georgian Government Commission is to combat the Asian Stink Bug invasion in Georgia.
The Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture provided journalists with the details of the strategy and action plan against the invasive pest, which has been developed by the Georgian government on the basis of the experience shared by Georgian and foreign scientists and specialists.
Levan Davitashvili evaluated the visit of American scientists and specialists in Georgia and noted, that the world’s leading experts together with Georgian scientists discussed the state program at the international symposium. According to the Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, the specialists have positevely evaluated the measures taken by the government in 2017 and 2018 Strategy to combat the Asian Stink Bug.
The purpose of the State Strategy is to manage the Asian stink bug, reduce its population and minimize the damage it causes to the agricultural crops.
"In 2018 our action plan considers four main directions. To reduce the population of the invasive pest might be achieved through engagement and joint efforts made  by Georgian Government together with farmers and local residents. The first task of our strategy is to minimize economic losses, farming activities should be taken under control and perception of agriculture shouldn’t become antiquated and unprofitable" - said Levan Davitashvili.
The Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture noted that from mid-March the monitoring system will be placed on the whole territory of Georgia and the results of monitoring will be delivered to the population immediately.
As the weather has warmed and stink bugs start to emerge from their overwintering locations and getting more active, however, at this stage we have a cold wealther and pest has been wiped out, accordingly, this is the period when we can not take any kind of chemical treatment as far as invasive pests seek shelers in the buildings. 
Many people are trying to sow the panic, including politicians who unfortunately are making it as a part of their agenda. At the moment, until the end of March, mechanical measures to take against the pest is more effective. Therefore, each citizen must destroy the pest in a mechanical manner in their houses and in their surroundings  as well"- said Levan Davitashvili.