Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia

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Otar Shamugia: " All agricultural projects will be further continued for those interested in agribusiness’’

On the program "Business Partner," Georgian Public Broadcaster (1st Channel), the Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, Mr. Otar Shamugia discussed the initiatives promoting agricultural development across the country and summarized the outcomes attained.

"The preferential agro-credit project covers almost all branches of agriculture. The co-financing totaled more than GEL 650 million as an interest rate subsidy. More than 40,000 people have benefited from the aforementioned scheme over the past few years, and loans worth GEL 5 billion have been made available.
In addition to the preferential agro-credit, the number of beneficiaries taking part in agricultural initiatives and programs, such as "Plant the Future" and "Co-financing of Processing and Storage Enterprises," increased dramatically in 2022.

The funding for each of these programs was raised. For instance, GEL 200 million has been allocated for the co-financing of the "Preferential Agro Credit" project, as well as the co-financing programs of "Plant the Future" and Co-financing of Processing and Storage Enterprises, where we have a rising budget each year in line with the increased demand. As part of the "Plant the Future Program," this year, we have already contracted to plant up to 3,500 ha of new gardens, whereas, in the early years, we funded the planting of up to 1500–2000 ha of gardens.

As part of the project for co-financing of processing and storage enterprises, about GEL 300 million worth of investments were made in the project's framework, of which GEL 100 million came from the budget. The majority of the businesses are active and functioning, while some are still in the development phase. 55 of the 220 contracts in this area have only been signed this year. According to Mr. Otar Shamugia, the demand is rising in this sector as well.

All current projects will continue in the future for those interested in agribusiness, as the Minister indicated. Additionally, the co-financing program for harvesting equipment will be continued to support the cultivation of agricultural land areas during the harvesting period.

"Within the framework of the program initiated by the Prime Minister, we have brought new equipment worth GEL 150 million to the country in the last two years, for which GEL 50 million was allocated, besides,  more than 1,200 heavy agricultural equipment entered the country. We have set aside GEL 17 million for the coming year to continue financing and supporting our farmers, as well as providing them with harvesting and other types of equipment "Mr. Otar Shamugia stated.