Turning Desert into an Agricultural Oasis: An Interview with Goderdzi Metreveli
The village of Sagarejo is known for its hot, arid climate and barren landscapes. Years ago, few could have imagined that this desert area could foster agricultural development.
Yet, in 2016, the idea emerged to transform this barren land into a fertile oasis. The land was cultivated, paving the way for the company "Udabno" to initiate its farming development plans. We spoke with Goderdzi Metreveli, the director of "Udabno Shelling," about these agricultural transformations and future projects.
Can you describe the risks involved in initiating agricultural development in Udabno village?
Despite the challenging climate, the desert has fertile soil, rich in minerals and humus. The idea to cultivate this land for agriculture originated in 2016, and soon after, areas were tilled. A substantial water supply system was installed, a project of national importance executed by a private company, ensuring irrigation of the land.
How much land does Udabno currently own, and what do you grow there?
"Udabno" currently holds 20,000 hectares of farmland. Almonds are grown on 2,000 hectares, while the remaining land is dedicated to annual crops like wheat and other grains. We have primary and secondary almond processing facilities, which are the largest in the region, equipped with cutting-edge technologies and aligned with European standards. Our aim was to establish a regional enterprise for almond and walnut processing, thus eliminating the farmers' worry about almond storage.
Are your processed goods supplied only to the local market, or are they exported as well?
In addition to our primary processing facility, we have a secondary processing plant equipped with advanced Spanish and American machinery. This facility transforms almond kernels and raw materials into various products, such as almond flour, oil, and milk. These products are slated for export to Europe and Gulf countries, but they will also replace imported products in Georgia. We have already opened "Udabno Shop," where we display our products, including almond flour, livestock, poultry products, bread, cakes, and even vegan and gluten-free products.
How important is bio-production for your company?
"Udabno" aims to promote regenerative agriculture, which, in my view, surpasses even organic farming. While organic farming follows certain norms, our method allows nature to guide us. Our gardens use no preparations, whether organic or otherwise, ensuring our products are 100% environmentally friendly.
How are you progressing with livestock and poultry farming?
We have both dairy and meat farming, including sheep, goats, and buffalo. The milk, which is high in fat, is primarily used for cheese production and as raw material for other products.
How many people do you employ?
We primarily employ locals, with around 150 permanent employees. Seasonally, we provide employment to between 200 and 500 people.
Agriculture often faces the challenge of a lack of skilled personnel. How do you address this issue and ensure your employees' qualifications are enhanced?
From the onset, "Udabno" recognized the need for specialized skills. We initially employed foreign specialists and continue to provide ongoing training for our staff. Our trained employees, in turn, impart their knowledge to local residents. We also run a project with the American Embassy, hosting regular training seminars where we share our agricultural knowledge and practices with students. Thus, our contributions to the educational sector are significant.
What are your future plans regarding agricultural production?
Within the next 6-8 months, a second-hand European standard enterprise will be operational, focusing primarily on the recovery of Georgian endemic wheat. The flour derived from this wheat will be used to produce various products such as bread. We're also planning to introduce an almond milk line. Currently, Georgia imports all its almond milk, but soon, we will offer a locally produced product. Most importantly, our aim is to offer these high-quality, environmentally-friendly products at affordable prices.