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Kakha Kakabadze: “Increasing wheat yield and quality is one of the key strategic priorities of the Ministry.”
The Deputy Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, Mr. Kakha Kakabadze, and the State Representative in the Kakheti region, Mr. Giorgi Aladashvili, met with wheat farmers and representatives of milling companies in the Dedoplistskaro municipality.
During the meeting, the parties focused on the efficient organization of the wheat harvest, the timely and secure storage of the crop, the improvement of marketing mechanisms, and the need for prompt mobilization of technical resources.
Particular emphasis was placed on the importance of state programs in supporting wheat farmers and promoting the overall development of the sector.
''Supporting wheat farmers remains a continuous priority for the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture. To this end, a coordination centre was established at the beginning of the harvest season to ensure effective process management, mobilization of technical resources, and timely response to emerging challenges. Increasing yield and improving quality is one of the Ministry’s most important strategic objectives," stated Mr. Kakha Kakabadze.
According to the Deputy Minister, approximately 250 combine harvesters are actively involved in the wheat harvesting process, a significant portion of which were purchased with state co-financing. Providing technical support to farmers and modernizing the sector are among the key priorities of the Ministry's agricultural policy.
Since 2020, the Government has been implementing a co-financing program for agricultural machinery, through which over GEL 80 million has already been invested. The program aims to enhance farmers’ competitiveness, promote technical modernization, and ensure the sustainable development of the agricultural sector.
According to State Representative Mr Giorgi Aladashvili, Kakheti has traditionally been one of the country’s top producers of grain crops, and the progress of this year’s season demonstrates the region’s potential to strengthen its contribution to national food security.
"This year’s wheat harvest season is well-organized and coordinated due to the joint work of local Governments, the Ministry, and the private sector. We have visited the harvesting sites and can confidently say that the machinery is fully operational, and the farmers are motivated and well-supported. Our goal is to ensure that the wheat is stored safely and promptly. The current indicators give us reason for optimism — both yield and quality are better this year, and we expect the results to surpass last year’s figures," stated Mr Giorgi Aladashvili.
Grain producers and representatives of milling companies welcomed the establishment of the Wheat Harvest Coordination Headquarters, noting its significant role in ensuring a transparent and organized harvesting process.
"The wheat harvest is already underway, with yields falling within the normal range, giving us cause to expect positive results. The process is well-organized, with the primary focus on market price formation to ensure that farmers can sell their crops and secure their income. Our goal is to ensure that farmers can store their crops without disruption, continue production, and work together to improve both yield and quality," said Mr Nikoloz Beniaize, Chairman of the Grain Producers Association.
As part of the visit, Deputy Minister Mr. Kakha Kakabadze personally observed the wheat harvesting process on the Shiraki Plain.
The Representatives from the Dedoplistskaro Municipality and City Council, including the senior officials from the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, attended the meeting.