Addressing Emerging Challenges in Agriculture with New Knowledge: A Conversation with 'Agrosphere' Scholar Tinatin Ivanishvili
Promoting agriculture, fostering the interest of young individuals in the field, and nurturing proficient professionals are among the priorities for 'Agrosphere', an innovative importer of agricultural products and equipment.
To accomplish these goals, 'Agrosphere' collaborated last year with the 'Agrarian University' to offer scholarships annually to three students from agricultural disciplines. This initiative also extends internship opportunities to these scholarship holders and seven other students, providing them with exposure to the company's service centers, partner farms, demonstration vineyards, and greenhouses.
This year's scholars shed light on the significance of the Agrosphere program, their professional aspirations, future plans, and the challenges faced by agriculture in Georgia.
Tinatin Ivanishvili, a fourth-year student of viticulture and winemaking program at the 'Agrarian University', shares her insights and experiences.
Born and raised in Kakheti, a region renowned for its vineyards, Tinatin has been closely acquainted with the nuances of viticulture from an early age. Her goal was to augment her practical experience with theoretical insights, to better understand the actions and processes in viticulture. The academic journey only confirmed her choice as it revealed the magnitude of the knowledge gap in traditional winemaking.
When asked about the importance of the 'Agrosphere' scholarship and similar support programs, Tinatin views the scholarship as a recognition of her hard work and dedication towards her university studies. The internship program is equally significant for her as it provides an opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge into practice, deepening her expertise in viticulture and winemaking.
Identifying the primary challenges of agriculture in Georgia, Tinatin points out the dire need for qualified professionals in viticulture and agriculture as a whole. Many farmers in Georgia rely heavily on experiential knowledge and are yet to adopt contemporary practices. With climate change posing new challenges, there's an urgent need for updated knowledge to address them. A lack of scientific research, particularly focusing on local grape varieties adapted to Georgia's unique climate, is another crucial issue.
Looking ahead, Tinatin envisions continuing her studies in viticulture and enology at the master's level, further enhancing her theoretical and practical knowledge. Despite the financial hurdles associated with research, she expresses a keen interest in this domain. Two of her aspirations include compiling a comprehensive guide on Georgian grape varieties and establishing her own certified nursery.
