Enhanced Monitoring, Knowledge Access and Innovation at the Core of Georgia’s Agricultural Reform, Says Minister Davit Songulashvili
Georgia’s Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, Davit Songulashvili, spoke about the government’s vision for agricultural development and the large-scale reform aimed at strengthening the country’s agri-sector.
According to the Minister, one of the key strengths of the reform is the enhancement of the monitoring system, which will ensure more effective implementation and greater success of agricultural projects.
“In practice, one of the main strengths of this program and reform is the strengthening of the monitoring system. We have often seen cases where farmers begin establishing orchards or launching other agricultural projects and later encounter difficulties. Enhanced monitoring mechanisms will ensure that such challenges are identified early and addressed in a timely manner,” Davit Songulashvili stated.
The Minister also outlined the priority areas for the development of the agricultural sector, emphasizing that special attention is being given to fields that require additional support. According to him, one of the key priorities is improving access to knowledge and expanding extension services, enabling farmers to receive expert guidance and professional consultations.
“If we want to produce high-quality and competitive products, it is essential to implement a consistent and long-term policy. This means farmers must have access to knowledge, modern technologies, and mechanization. These are the core areas on which we are placing particular emphasis,” the Minister noted.
In addition, Songulashvili highlighted the importance of advancing agricultural mechanization and introducing modern technologies, which will directly contribute to improving product quality and increasing the sector’s overall efficiency. He also stressed the significance of food security priorities, where family and farming enterprises play a crucial role.
The Minister further pointed to the development potential of emerging sectors such as aquaculture and mariculture. Currently, approximately 85% of products in these sectors are imported into Georgia, indicating substantial opportunities for expanding domestic production.
According to Songulashvili, these comprehensive and targeted reforms will lay the foundation for a new stage of agricultural development in Georgia, enabling the country to produce higher-quality and more competitive agricultural products.
