2019-05-10
With an aim of planting intensive orchards of am advanced type at large land parcels, eligible co-financing per beneficiary will be increased from 100 000 to 250 000 GEL under the program branded as Plant Your Future. It was announced by Mamuka Bakhtadze, Prime Minister of Georgia at a regular press briefing held prior to the Executive Government Meeting today.
Increased co-financing will enable entrepreneurs to purchase perennial plants, sprinkle drop systems and modern irrigation facilities, etc.
In addition, total value of projects not exceeding 500 000 GEL will get a 70% co-financing in the planting component, instead of the previously allocated 50%.
"I believe that this adjustment is substantial. I wish to remind you that several years ago deficit in the trade of agriculture produce reached 900 MLN GEL. Nowadays, we managed to reduce it to 300 MLN GEL. Increased production in agriculture is our declared priority. I have heard completely ungrounded statements at multiple occasions, claiming that our investments in agriculture reap no results. Naturally, it is far from truth and specific numbers evidence this. For instance, our export of agriculture produce last year exceeded 1 BLN GEL, which is a great success. Nevertheless, as we still have a deficit of 300 MLBN GEL, we need a more effective program. It is the reason of adjustments now made within the program branded as Plant Your Future. Our goal is to substitute imports with domestic production and to increase exports, provide raw materials for the processing industries and what is most important - to improve the socio-economic condition of our rural population" noted the Prime Minister of Georgia.
Prime Minister's Press Office