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The first, modern walnut processing company opened through state support

Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, Mr. Levan Davitashvili visited the first, state-of-the art walnut processing company, which is created through state funding. At the company the Minister got acquainted with the production process.


"Our policy aiming to ensure development of perennial crops, including walnut crops is already yielding the first results. The state provides significant grants , which is translated into an increase in primary production and planting of several thousand hectares of walnut and almond orchards under the program "Plant the Future". Moreover, all components of supply chain are being developed. Agricultural processing enterprises are being created through state-funding, which is essential for obtaining a high quality products, that will meet the modern standards. The products will come up not only with an import substitution in the local market, but will gain a competitive advantage in the international markets as well. We set quite ambitious, long-term goals and objectives to make Georgia one of the most important exporters of walnut crops in the world.  In this area, our policy has been implemented quite consistently, purposefully and successfully and is complemented by creation a new enterprise equipped with modern appliances in the village of Martkopi," - said Mr. Levan Davitashvili.


Walnut processing enterprise "Anigozi" has been created in the village of Martkopi, Gardabani Municipality, through state financial support. The company has invested GEL 2,503,000 to build the enterprise, out of which GEL 600,000 is a grant from Rural Development Agency and GEL 1,500,000 a preferential agro-credit.


The production capacity of the enterprise is 500 tonnes. During the current year, the enterprise received the first raw material from farmers of Kakheti, Shida Kartli and Kvemo Kartli regions and processed 110 tonnes of walnuts.

 

Currently, the company plans to sell its products in the local market, although, the products will be exported next year. The enterprise permanently employs 15 locals. However, the number of seasonal, temporary employees increases up to 30, during active seasonal works. 



According to the director of the company, Ana Kevkhishvili, the number of regions supplying raw materials will be expanded, the volume of processed products will be tripled and, consequently, the export potential will be increased next year. An international quality standard will be introduced in the enterprise, which will be translated into an increase of competitiveness of Georgian products.


Director of the Rural Development Agency, Mr. Ilia Tamarashvili and representatives of the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture got acquainted with the production process in the company "Anigozi".