BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 21
By Tamilla Mammadova - Trend:
Coronavirus has caused significant damage to the agricultural sector of Georgia, Head of the Farmers Association Nino Zambakhidze said, Trend reports citing the Georgian media.
"Now, in parallel with the fight against the virus, all the governments of the world are fighting for food security, as the opportunities for importing agricultural products are declining," said Zambakhidze.
According to her, Georgia may well be faced with a shortage of certain types of food products, as more and more countries begin to limit the export of agricultural products.
“Coronavirus can open some opportunities, since the problems in import can stimulate the growth of local production. Almost everything can be grown in Georgia, especially considering the climatic conditions. However, this requires financial capabilities, technology, and support from the state,” she said.
According to Zambakhidze, the government should make every effort to ensure that agriculture in Georgia survives as a sector of the economy.
“It is important that not a single land plot remains uncultivated, and the government should do everything possible to simplify lending, take part in co-financing projects, and even subsidize the industry. Priorities should be defined very clearly,” Zambakhidze said.
She noted the challenges the agricultural sector now is facing. One of them is the lack of refrigeration facilities. Due to their shortage, farmers cannot properly store their products and sell them in timely manner.
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