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

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David Songulashvili hosted the representatives of the World Bank Mission.

Mr. David Songulashvili, Georgia's Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, met with Dr. Holger Kray, the World Bank’s Agriculture and Food Practice Manager for Europe and Central Asia.

The discussion focused on strengthening collaboration in irrigation development and sustainable land management. Particular emphasis was placed on climate-smart agriculture, improving farmers' access to modern technology and equipment, and mitigating agricultural risks associated with global warming.

"Several key initiatives are being implemented in Georgia with the support of the World Bank, contributing to sustainable agricultural development. Guided by the Agriculture and Rural Development Strategy and the Action Plan, the World Bank's cooperation and involvement are essential for their successful execution, particularly in sharing cutting-edge technologies," said Mr. Songulashvili.

Dr. Holger Kray expressed gratitude for the productive partnership and reaffirmed the World Bank's readiness to launch new projects in Georgia.

"Climate-smart agriculture initiatives can be implemented more effectively since environmental protection and agricultural development are now managed under one Ministry in Georgia," noted Dr. Kray.

One notable initiative discussed was the Georgia Resilient Agriculture, Irrigation, and Land (GRAIL) project, supported by the World Bank with a total budget of USD 150 million. This project aims to enhance irrigation and drainage services for farmers, boost agricultural productivity, and strengthen institutional capacity for national irrigation and land management.

Representatives from the relevant departments of the World Bank and the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture attended the meeting.