Wheat production strategy and prospects in Georgia.
According to world scientific literature, out of 20 wheat varieties, the origin of 12 is Asia, the South Caucasus is the origin of 8 varieties, out of which 5 are Georgian endemics. Totally, about 14 varieties and more than 150 sub-species, forms and aboriginal species have been described in Georgia. According to endemic varieties and their forms, Georgia occupies one of the leading places in the world. According to 2015-2017 data, areas sown with wheat are distributed as follows: total area equals to 52.3 thousand hectares out of which 67.7% is in Kakheti region, 13.9% - Kvemo Kartli, 12.9% - Shua Kartli. During the same period, average production of wheat in Georgia made 133.4 thou tones, 76.5% - in Kakheti region, 7.9% - Kvemo Kartli, 12.9% - Shua Kartli. Therefore, domestic supply of wheat is 133.0 thou tons (16.1%), and import – 647.0 thou tons (78.1%), including total reserves – 828.0 thou tons. Today, Georgia almost completely depends on imported wheat. Russia’s share in such imports makes 96.0%, that of Ukraine - 2%, of other countries - 2%; 68.4% of wheat exports fall on Turkey. The activities aimed at improving situation in the wheat production sector and the respective state regulations drafted and adopted for the purpose are considered. Also discussed is the state purposeful program “Martsvali” (Grain), which addresses government recommendations and prioritized directions for safe and sustainable development of grain production in Georgia.
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