Georgia Can Increase Wheat Self-sufficiency To 50%, Agriculture Minister Says
By Khatia Bzhalava
Thursday, March 31, 2022
Georgian Agriculture Minister Otar Shamugia announced on Wednesday that Georgia has the resources to increase its wheat self-sufficiency to 50 percent. During a meeting with farmers, he noted that the state is ready to develop stimulating programs to help increase wheat production.
Shamugia noted at the meeting that throughout the years the state policy has been focused on promoting local production and import substitution, adding that as a result, the production of Georgian products and their sale both in the local market and for export has significantly increased. As the minister noted, the dire situation in the region caused by the war in Ukraine has revealed how important it is to increase the self-sufficiency of primary consumption products in the ‘shortest possible time’ and ensure food security.
During the meeting, the needs and challenges of the sector for ensuring the growth of crop production were discussed. The farmers informed the minister about the importance of an organized supply of highly productive seed material, accessibility to financial resources and relevant equipment, as well as issues of land privatization and lease. As it was decided at the meeting, the relevant structures of the ministry would start working on developing proposals and support mechanisms to cope with the existing issues in the sector.
It is noteworthy that In 2021 Georgia purchased 367,000 tons of wheat, including 338,000 tons worth $87.4 million from Russia and 24.4 thousand tons worth $4.6 million from the United States. As of now, there are enough wheat stocks in Georgia. Georgian Finance Minister Lasha Khutsishvili announced on March 28 that Georgia had wheat resources enough for more than a month, stressing that more could be imported if necessary for food security.
