News
Guria region embraces successful harvest of hazelnut
Ms Khatia Tsilosani, Deputy Minister of Environment Protection and Agriculture of Georgia, together with Mr Zurab Nasaraia, State Representative of Guria Region, and representatives of local authorities, met with fruit farmers in Lanchkhuti and Ozurgeti municipalities and observed the harvesting process. As the farmers noted, the joint effective measures against Stink Bug and other pests have yielded positive results and 2020 harvest has resulted into a high-quality and surplus hazelnut crop."I would like to emphasize that the vital care measures of hazelnut in the country have been carried out effectively. Thus, we have ensured a high quality hazelnut crop, a large part of which will be exported. It is noteworthy that the state, together with the Association of Hazelnut Producers, has been implementing a program to save the hazelnut industry since 2019. As a result of the effective policy of the state in the hazelnut industry, fruit farmers will receive increased income by selling abundant and high-quality crops," Deputy Minister Tsilosani stated.Â
The representative of Guria region, Mr Zurab Nasaraia, stressed out importance of joint large-scale measures taken by the state and farmers, the quality and abundant harvest, and stressed on the need to continue preventive measures against the pest in the future.
Mr Lasha Shalamberidze, head of the Center for Coordination Management of the BMSB, once again encouraged farmers to be active and noted that the National Food Agency continues to take measures to combat pests; it is being treated with thermal fog, as well as cold spraying on the seedlings.
The Georgian Hazelnut Growers Association unites up to 25,000 farmers. The Association has briefed that more than 50,000 tons of high quality hazelnuts are expected to be harvested this year; meanwhile, the support program for farmers who are members of the association will continue.