News
Georgia has demonstrated outstanding results in the regional locust control program involving ten countries across the Caucasus and Central Asia.
The Deputy Minister Mr. Kakha Kakabadze met with FAO officials to discuss the achievements and future direction of the program “ Improving National And Regional Locaust Management in Caucasus and Central Asia’’, while also appreciating FAO’s financial and technical support, expressing willingness for further cooperation towards locust control and highlighting the program’s role in strengthening regional collaboration and modernizing pest control strategies.
“The program enabled a joint assessment of locust spread in border regions, significantly reducing the risk of pest outbreaks and establishing a regional network of experts. We are particularly grateful to FAO for providing high-altitude equipment to the National Food Agency and for introducing environmentally safe, modern locust control methods, including reduced chemical use and the application of high-tech biological agents that are safe for ecosystems, especially near protected areas and water bodies,” Mr. Kakha Kakabadze stated.
AO representatives praised Georgia’s active participation in the regional program, stating that the country had emerged as a regional leader and a model for best practices and demonstrating the best results.
“Georgia was one of the most active participants in the program and played a key role in initiating several regional efforts. Among the ten participating countries, Georgia showed the most impressive results and became an example for other countries. As we move forward, we aim to build on these achievements by focusing on three core areas regarding combating locusts: enhancing regional cooperation, improving monitoring and early warning systems, and adopting and using advanced technologies, including biological pesticides,” said Ms. Marion Shiris, Locust Program Officer from the FAO’s Plant Protection and Crop Protection Department.
The program“ Improving National And Regional Locaust Management in the Caucasus and Central Asia’’ has been implemented in Georgia since 2011 to prevent the mass spread of locusts in the region and minimize the damage caused by invasive pests to crops.
Mr. Zurab Chekurashvili, Head of Georgia’s National Food Agency, and senior officials from the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture attended the meeting.