Government offers farmers to purchase leased lands at 25% discount

By Khatia Bzhalava

Tuesday, May 11

The decision applies to almost 2,000 farmers of which 439 have already registered to purchase their lands.

According to Economy Minister Natia Turnava, the main goal is not to leave uncultivated land, enable the farmers to participate in the state programs, and attract funding.

Yesterday, the government of Georgia announced the decision to offer benefits to farmers willing to buy out leased lands. According to the decision made at the government’s meeting, farmers who rent land from the state will be able to purchase them at a 25% discount. The decision aims to increase the accessibility to agricultural lands in order to encourage economic development and employment. The decision applies to almost 2,000 lessees.

According to Economy Minister Natia Turnava, the government has recently allowed the farmers who have leased land from the state and have been cultivating them for many years to buy those lands directly at a market price. However, according to Turnava, the recent trends show that the prices of the lands are quite high, and that many farmers are unable to afford them. Therefore, the decision has been made to offer farmers a 25% discount. As the minister said, the main task is not to leave uncultivated land, to enable the farmers to participate in the state programs and attract funding.

As Turnava stated, primarily, this offer allows farmers to cultivate lands and seek more finances, private investment, as well as benefit from the wide range of state programs that the Economy and Agriculture Ministry programs offer. The Economy Minister believes this decision will encourage investments in agricultural land and will help recover the economy.

439 of 2000 farmers who rent land from the state have already registered to purchase their lands.

At yesterday's government meeting, the Cabinet discussed 13 issues listed on the agenda. Minister of Regional Development and Infrastructure Irakli Karseladze briefed the implementation of the program Renovated Regions, noting that the special commission is actively holding meetings and concrete areas are selected to implement projects under the program. Renovated Regions, a program initiated by Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili, covers 63 municipalities and aims to ensure urban renovation in the regions, involving the development of important sites owned by the state, municipalities, and private owners. The estimated value of the first phase of the project is GEL500 million.