David Songulashvili: “We aim to make modern knowledge and practice even more accessible."

The Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, Mr. David Songulashvili, visited the Tsilkani laboratory base of the LEPL Scientific-Research Center of Agriculture (SRCA). He met with laboratory directors and staff to review ongoing research activities and assess scientific infrastructure.

 

The Director of the Center, Mr. Levan Ujmajuridze, hosted the Minister, who toured the facilities and received briefings on current research programs and the laboratories' key functions.

 Minister Songulashvili emphasized the crucial role of science, innovation, and modern infrastructure in advancing the agricultural sector.

 “We aim to further expand access to contemporary knowledge and practices. This is the foundation for implementing innovation-driven development in agriculture,” stated Minister Songulashvili.

 The Tsilkani base serves as a key scientific hub, housing laboratories for the analysis of soil, seed, and planting materials, as well as tissue culture and DNA testing. The facility also includes a certified seed storage unit and a sericulture center, where Georgian and imported mulberry silkworm varieties are preserved, improved, and bred for commercial distribution.

A particular focus is placed on trial and demonstration plots dedicated to annual crops. These plots are used for research on grains, legumes, vegetables, horticultural crops, and organic production methods.

 
With support from the Israeli Embassy, the team established a modern demonstration hub equipped with advanced technologies on the premises under the MASHAV program. Additionally, a screen house hosts regular training and retraining sessions for farmers and students, further strengthening the link between research and practical application in the field.