BAKU, Azerbaijan, Jan. 10
By Tamilla Mammadova – Trend:
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has begun work on the protection of endemic species of Georgian wheat, Trend reports citing the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia.
In order to develop the necessary documentation, the first working meeting of the group dedicated to the protection of wheat varieties was held at the Ministry of Environmental Protection.
The meeting was attended by deputy ministers of Environmental Protection and Agriculture Khatia Tsilosani and Yuri Nozadze.
As was noted at the meeting, historically Georgia is one of the most important centers in the Middle East for the production and domestication of soft wheat. Therefore, the protection of endemic species of Georgian wheat, their restoration and increase the recognition of this culture is given special importance.
In 2019, Georgian wheat culture was presented on the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding by UNESCO.
The meeting, along with representatives of relevant departments and services of the ministry, was also attended by representatives of government agencies, non-governmental organizations and the private sector.
The Georgian wheat has 14 species. Five of them are local: Zhanduri, Zhukovsky Wheat, Makha, Georgian Asli, Dika.
In addition, Georgia is a world leader for the number of species and forms of endemic wheat species.
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