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Otar Shamugia: "We help farmers in almost all parts of the value chain, from primary production to marketing of the agricultural products and market access, which is very important."
Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, Mr. Otar Shamugia pays a visit to Samegrelo region. The Minister, together with the State Representative of Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti Region Giorgi Guguchia inspected the modern blueberry garden planted through state support."All projects implemented by the state aim at supporting farmers in producing high quality products.
We help them in almost all parts of the value chain, from primary production to marketing of agricultural products and market access, which is very important. Today, we have visited the farm where, the owner had made a significant investment amounting to GEL one million seven hundred thousand through support of the state.
The aforementioned farmer participated in several programs –‘’ Plant the Future’’, ‘’Preferential Agro Credit’’, ‘’Agricultural Mechanization Program’’, ‘’Technical Assistance Program’’ and was able to create a very good farm. 15 people are permanently employed here, and the company employs 150 people during the season.
"These approaches enable us to produce more products in the country, employ more people, strengthen our village and improve the socio-economic situation of our population" Mr. Otar Shamugia said.
The State Representative in Samegrelo region, Giorgi Guguchia noted, that many modern gardens have been planted in Samegrelo with the support of the state, which strengthens the economic situation in the region. These farms are an example of a successful relationship between the state and the private sector.
The company "West Best Blueberry Plant" planted a blueberry garden in the village of Chkhoria, Zugdidi Municipality, through financial support of the state, and set up a 35-tonnes of refrigeration plant equipped with modern standards. The company benefits from the Rural Development Agency.
The company has invested a total of more than GEL 1.7 million in the cultivation of blueberries and the arrangement of refrigeration facilities, including the amount of preferential agro-credit exceeding GEL 500,000.
The company ‘’West Best Blueberry Plant’’ received more than GEL 115,000 in co-financing for planting the blueberry orchard on 8-hectare of agricultural land area, under the frame of the ‘’Plant the Future’’ program. Blueberries are grown on 750 sq. m.
"West Best Blueberry Plant" has purchased more than 23,000 GEL worth of mulch and herbicide equipment under the Agricultural Mechanization Program, out of which more than GEL 8,000 is a grant from the Rural Development Agency.
The introduction of the international standard Global Gap started in the Blueberry Garden under the frame of the technical assistance program of the Rural Development Agency. The company also owns a greenhouse where Blueberries are planted on 750 sq. m.