Adjarian Eco-migrant Expands Broccoli Production in Tsalka

Giorgi Abuladze is eco-migrant, who moved from mountainous Adjara to Tsalka in 2001. The family originally brought a variety of vegetables, including potatoes, cabbage, cucumbers, and tomatoes. In 2017, Giorgi and his family started producing broccoli.

Compared to other vegetables, the price of broccoli is high in the local market and there is a demand for it throughout the year, although, it is mostly imported from abroad. As a result, he decided to sow broccoli on a larger plot with the help of the EU and the FAO and to expand local vegetable production. 

As Giorgi noted, at this stage it would be impossible to create all necessary conditions for the production of broccoli. 

"The European Union and FAO not only helped me financially but also gave me the opportunity to learn about the news and put the latest methods into practice", noted Giorgi.

As Demna Martsvaladze, FAO's agronomist says, Abuladze's family receives technical support almost daily. 

"Financed by the EU and FAO, we installed a drip irrigation system on 3,500 square meters. We purchased a broccoli seed, special polyethylene mulch for personal means of protection, fertilizers, pesticides, planting. We also handed over the insect net for the greenhouse."

Giorgi just started to harvest broccoli and is waiting for crow growth. As for the costs, the farmer received a big discount in this regard, as almost all costs were funded by the EU and FAO. In addition, he was trained in seedling production and care. Experts provided him with information on various innovative methods of plant care.

As Giorgi Abuladze noted, this is the only beginning of great cooperation. He thinks that the harvest will soon be increased and he will be able to sell his products in network markets. He also plans to cultivate other crops of modern agricultural practices, in which he has hopes for the support of agronomists.