News
New refrigeration plant was opened in Kvemo Kartli region
The First Deputy Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture Giorgi Khanishvili along with the USAID Georgia Mission Director, Peter Wiebler paid a visit to Kvemo Kartli region.
The first Deputy opened a new fruit storage facility of Agro complex LTD and visited the table grape orchard, which was built under the program ‘’Plant the Future’’.
‘’Opening of another enterprise, means that Georgian government and the Georgian Dream party kept its promise. More than 200 refrigeration and processing enterprises have been built in the country, furthermore, by opening of the new enterprise, the farmers will receive additional benefits and additional jobs will be created in Kvemo Kartli region. It should be noted, that planting of new table grape orchards is another step forward facilitating to increase Georgian agricultural production. However, table grapes are not as commonly grown in Georgia as in other countries. With the state support it will be possible to export table grapes in 2-3 years ” said Giorgi Khanishvili.
“ Today's event is particularly important for the United States Agency for International Development. Today, the solid foundation is laid to enhance cooperation between our agency, Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, Agricultural and Rural Development Agency and the private sector.
Under the frame of the cooperation, the economic activities will be enhanced to further help local farmers in the increase of their incomes and improve economic efficiency in the country. Moreover, promotion of agricultural activities in the region makes Shida Kartli an important contributor to Georgia’s economy. The USAID provides a support and facilitates the development of the private sector in the region, furthermore, under its competence the agency helps the country to recover from the damage caused by the coronavirus pandemic "- said Peter Wiebler.
The Agro complex Ltd is a beneficiary of the Co-financing Project of Agro-Processing and Storage Enterprises. In total, more than 2 million GEL was invested in the enterprise, including 600,000 GEL grant, and 1, 500,000 GEL - preferential agro-credit.
Under the USAID Agricultural Program, with the co-investment of Agro complex Ltd. ($ 113,000), the building was built and the humidity and ventilation regulation system was installed in a space of about 4,140 square meters.
Agro complex LTD is equipped with modern ULO (Ultra low Oxyge) technical equipment , which was purchased under the grant from the USAID Agricultural Program (USD 74,786) to equip 10 refrigeration cameras. The total capacity of cameras include one thousand tons. Modern ULO technology ensures that the fruit retains flavor and appearance even after a year.
15 people are permanent employees of the enterprise. The company plans to sell its products in the local market.
As for the table grape orchards established under the "Plant the Future" program, six companies were financed by Government, through state funding they received 529,379 GEL and got benefits from a preferential agro-credit amounting to 3,500,000 GEl for cultivation/ planting of table grapes and arrangement of an irrigation system.
The Deputies of the Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, Yuri Nozadze and Solomon Pavliashvili, State Representative of Kvemo Kartli region, Shota Rekhviashvili, Gardabani Mayor Ramaz Budadagashvili and representatives of the USAID accompanied Giorgi Khanishvili and Peter Wiebler in Kvemo Kartli region.