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Solomon Pavliashvili along with the State Representative of Guria region visited the plantation of the LTD ‘’Blueberry’’
The Deputy Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, Solomon Pavliashvili accompanied by the State Representative of Guria region, Zurab Nasaraia visited the blueberry plantation of LTD ‘’Blubery’’ in Naruja, Ozurgeti Municipality.
The plantation is planted on 16 hectares under the state financial support programs. The company "Blubbery" is a beneficiary of the projects of the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture - "Plant the Future", preferential agro-credit and agro-production support programs. In 2016, the company got engaged in state projects and received a financial support amounting to 100 000 GEL for planting of gardens and arrangement of irrigation systems, out of which 96,600 GEL was allocated for seedlings imported from France and 3380 GEL for drip irrigation systems. This year, the company expects to harvest about 80 tons of blueberry crops. Up to 150 locals are employed during the season.
"Georgian Government provides an important support for the development of berry crops through state support agricultural projects. Today, the selling price of blueberries is 13-15 GEL, which is a great source of income for entrepreneurs and producers; Moreover, it is also an important incentive for expanding gardens and making business more profitable in the country. The demand for berry crops is increasing both in the domestic and export markets. Berry crops will be a business card for Guria region in the next three years ”Solomon Pavliashvili said.
"Blueberries are planted on 225 hectares in Guria region. This year, the blueberry crop is forecast at 250 tons. The gardening is stimulated in the region. The planting of gardens implemented in most cases as part of state support agricultural programs include large scale commercial farms, as well as small farms. Guria has become one of the most advanced and prosperous region in terms of berry production, at present, blueberries are being planted on tens of hectares ”said Zurab Nasaraia.