2019-08-16
"Each project of this type is important for achieving our main goal to equally develop our regions and overcome poverty step by step" stated Mamuka Bakhtadze, Prime Minister of Georgia when meeting hazelnut growers in Zugdidi.
As noted by the Head of Government of Georgia, main task of the authorities is to operate such economic model, which will give income to each citizen of Georgia with conditions improving on a daily basis.
"We are visiting one of the most successful enterprises, which was built with active support of the state. Program operates within the scope of a common agriculture project. It is the most modern enterprise equipped with advanced technologies and I am thrilled that we have a hazelnut enterprise of such type and level in Samegrelo. It is an example of how great is our potential in this region. Samegrelo has a tremendous potential, however we have had a very pressing challenge, which still continues to exist. However, with joint efforts we have managed to actually achieve the impossible and harvest this year is going to be higher than the most optimistic person could ever imagine even a few months ago. It is a result of our shared effort" stated the Prime Minister of Georgia.
Head of Government of Georgia spoke about measures implemented against the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) and noted that problem resolution is coming to conclusion this year. Prime Minister of Georgia believes that crop collection process is successfully progressing and farmers will get high income this year.
"I wish to particularly thank our US friends, whose tremendous financial and technical support has been instrumental. US and Georgian scientists worked together to make us bravely say this year that resolution to a problem of BMSB has come to its completion this year. Until this challenge exists, we will not rest, but will work hard on the final resolution of the issue. We have once again managed to demonstrate that when the Georgian society stands together, there may not be an unresolved challenge. Indeed, we fought for three years against this painful challenge and it has come to its end with a victory on our side" added the Prime Minister of Georgia.
Head of Government of Georgia spoke about the development prospects of agriculture and noted that a wrong policy implemented over years has led to the devaluation of this sector. Nevertheless, Head of Government of Georgia believes that recent statistics evidence that country managed to reduce the trade deficit in agriculture from 900 MLN to 300 MLN 6 years after.
"I remember the criticism of our opponents, which is still continued today. They claimed that agriculture has no prospects in Georgia. Friends, let us recall some basic statistics. Our trade deficit in agriculture 6 years ago was 900 MLN. Almost a billion was the deficit in the agriculture of Georgia. It was the imported products that prevented farmers from operating successfully. Wrong and ineffective policy pursued over years in the agriculture of Georgia has led to the significant devaluation of the sector in the country. Today, 6 years after, we have managed to reduce the deficit to 300 MLN. This is a huge success. We have reduced the deficit by three times and if not the BMSB, its pressing challenge and problems that were created as a result, I am sure we would have zeroed the trade deficit. I believe that with such steps we will manage to avoid having such very painful statistics in trade deficit of agriculture. It will be great merits to you, our farmers" noted the Prime Minister of Georgia.
Head of Government of Georgia thanked the Ministry of Environment and Agriculture of Georgia, along with US partners and farmers for the successful and effective work.
Prime Minister of Georgia got exposed to the hazelnut collection and processing process at Geo Nuts together with Levan Davitashvili, Minister of Environment and Agriculture of Georgia and Elizabeth Rood, Acting US Chargé d'Affaires, a.i.
Geo Nuts LLC was incorporated within the common agriculture project. Total investment made in the enterprise amounts 2 780 000 GEL. It produces various hazelnut products in the volume of 7 000 to 10 000 tons a year. It is entirely aimed for export. Processing plant employs 100 people.
Prime Minister's Press Office