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

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Farmers purchased hazelnut orchard maintenance products worth GEL14.8 million within the hazelnut production support program.

Farmers purchased hazelnut orchard maintenance products worth GEL14.8 million within the hazelnut production support program.

The Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, Mr. Otar Shamugia, recently visited the Zugdidi Municipality to observe the cashing out process of accrued points under the hazelnut production support program. The Majoritarian MP in Zugdidi, Mr. Irakli Chikovani, accompanied the Minister in Zugdidi Municipality.

The Minister visited the local agro-store, where farmers are accustomed to redeeming their accumulated points to purchase essential chemical treatments. During a meeting with farmers, the Minister stated that the hazelnut production support program would result in better-maintained orchards, higher-quality products, and more income.

"Hazelnuts are a significant source of income for the residents of Samegrelo. The state has always committed to supporting farmers; we believe that with our joint efforts, we will have a significantly greater yield this year, " said Mr. Otar Shamugia.

The hazelnut production promotion program was launched last November to support over 90,000 growers. The program incorporates measures to control pests and diseases across over 44,000 hectares of hazelnut orchards. Eligibility for the program is restricted to Georgian citizens who either own or possess a hazelnut orchard, with the size ranging from 0.2 ha to 3 ha.

The subsidy is calculated at 500 GEL per 1 ha of hazelnut orchard. Currently, hazelnut farmers bought orchard maintenance products amounting to GEL 14.8 million. The total value of points exceeds GEL 21.5 million. The subsidy is provided for the persons involved in the program by accruing the corresponding points on the Liberty Bank agro-card. The deadline is August 31, 2023, for using points in more than 500 specialized agricultural stores throughout Georgia.