David Songulashvili: “The development of regional research centers is a priority for the Ministry.”

Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, Mr. David Songulashvili, visited the Adam Beridze LTD Soil, Food, and Plant Integrated Protection Diagnostic Center (“Anaseuli”) of the Scientific-Research Center of Agriculture in Guria.

 

The Director of the Scientific-Research Center of Agriculture, Mr. Levan Ujmajuridze, briefed the Minister on the center’s infrastructure, including ongoing research activities and services.

 

During the meeting, Minister Songulashvili emphasized the importance of developing future strategies to expand the center’s services, strengthen the regional research network, and align operations with innovative regional research centers.

 

“The development of regional research centers and their operation in line with modern standards is a priority for our Ministry. These facilities are the foundation for knowledge and innovation, providing farmers with reliable and practically applicable information,” stated Mr. David Songulashvili.



The Anaseuli Diagnostic Center is one of the largest and most versatile research facilities in Georgia. Following the central Scientific-Research Center of Agriculture, it represents the country’s most extensive laboratory infrastructure, incorporating laboratories for integrated plant protection, soil and water analysis, and food testing (including honey and wine).

 

The center is equipped with state-of-the-art technologies, including entomological cages and biosafety level II containment units, which create controlled climatic conditions essential for studying biological control agents against harmful organisms. These capabilities play a crucial role in biological control programs targeting pests such as the brown marmorated stink bug and other invasive species.

 

The center also houses the Tea and Subtropical Crop Research Division, which conducts breeding, agro-technical, and plant protection studies, contributing to the development of local crops and the adoption of innovative agricultural technologies.

During the meeting, discussions also focused on existing challenges and needs related to the development of the research base, enhancement of laboratory capacities, and improvement of service efficiency.

 

Minister Songulashvili was accompanied by Mr. Giorgi Gurjumelidze, State Representative in the Guria region, and Deputies of the Minister, Mr. Kakha Kakabadze and Mr. Zurab Ezugbaia.