News
Deputy Minister attends a presentation of rural-agricultural extensions
The first Deputy Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia (MEPA), Mr Giorgi Khanishvili attended a presentation on rural-agricultural extensions. Head of the Regional Relations Department of the Agricultural and Rural Development Agency, Mr Lasha Shalamberidze conducted presentation and informed attendees that rural-agricultural extension nationwide are held through 9 regional units of the Agency and 45 information-consultation centers at municipalities.
In the course of the meeting, Deputy Minister Khanishvili thanked donor organizations for their continued assistance – “Today, we have witnessed how regional units shall be empowered in the shortest period of time, as well as how movable laboratories can be equipped, and how extension service can entail outstanding capacities and ensure that obstacles are improved at a farmer’s doorstep”.
“Education is vital for boosting up rural income, also, education can transform agriculture into a high value of the sector. Through our assistance, digital tools will be cultivated within the extension system, which will enable every farmer to disseminate information even at the remote regions” – Ms Louisa Vinton, Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Georgia stated.
“Switzerland is delighted to support formation of strong agriculture in Georgia, which shall be enhanced in accordance with market demands, sustainable development and environmental principles. An educated farmer is the key pillar of a strong reform” - Danielle Meuwly, Regional Director of Cooperation at the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation.
An enhanced denomination of extension entails professional knowledge sharing and increasing access to agricultural information. Upon capacities of digital platform, an extensionist will ensure instant response to farmers’ needs. Farmers will be empowered to utilize the electronic library (elibrery.mepa.gov.ge) and unified network of demonstrated lands.
Extension centers and their digital capacities have been enhanced in four regions of Georgia – Samegrelo – Zemo Svaneti, Samtskhe – Javakheti, Racha Lechkhumi – Kvemo Svaneti and Guria through assistance of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation. The respective extensionists have been provided with laptops and pads, as well as field lab amenities, portable printers and other office appliances; also, the Agricultural and Rural Development Agency’s extension department had been fully equipped. A special program of extensionists has been shaped, which is implemented within the framework of farmers’ field work.
Digital library has been developed and regional units’ staffers equipped with uniforms through support of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
In frames of the reforms deployed by the Ministry, an agreement was signed between beneficiaries and the Agency itself. The beneficiaries have willingness to share their knowledge and expertise with farmers, while showcasing their rural households.
The meeting was supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation and enjoyed presence of donor organizations and state trustees at various regions of Georgia.