David Songulashvili: “Well-Functioning and Efficient Irrigation Systems Are One of the Fundamental Pillars of Agricultural Development”
Minister of Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia, David Songulashvili, attended the presentation of Georgia Melioration’s 2025 Activity Report, which outlined the company’s key projects, systemic reforms, and achieved results.
The Minister thanked the company’s staff for their work throughout 2025 and noted that, through joint efforts, the plans set for 2026 can be fully implemented.
“Georgia Melioration is one of the most important agencies within our Ministry. Through coordinated work, we have managed to implement a number of significant reforms. If we want to develop agriculture, we must understand that one of its fundamental foundations is well-functioning and efficient irrigation systems. This understanding has driven the transformation of the melioration service and the launch of a new stage of development. I once again confirm our full readiness to provide maximum support—both at the legislative level and through the involvement of central authorities and other members of the Government—so that, through budgetary resources and practical steps, all the needs of our country are fully addressed,” said David Songulashvili.
In 2025, Georgia Melioration took important steps to increase the efficiency of irrigation and drainage infrastructure, improve services, and ensure rational water resource management. Significant technical and administrative changes were implemented, while rehabilitation and cleaning works were carried out on strategic canals and facilities, ensuring stable water supply across thousands of hectares of land. At the same time, the technical base was upgraded and regional operations were strengthened, positively affecting both agricultural development and local employment.
During the presentation, the company’s General Director, Gigla Tamazashvili, highlighted the reorganization launched in March 2025, which resulted in a strengthened inspection service, the establishment of an information and training center, and the initiation of an interactive mapping system. After a 14-year pause, a new irrigation tariff was approved by GNERC. The company also introduced a new logo and brand book. As a result of the reforms, internal coordination and operational management improved, revenue collection rates increased, and contracted agricultural land reached a record level, rising from 60,440 hectares to 74,000 hectares.
For 2026, the company plans to implement large-scale infrastructure projects, including the rehabilitation of irrigation and drainage systems, the construction and renewal of reservoirs, the rollout of a climate-smart irrigation program, and the introduction of billing and dispatch monitoring (SCADA) systems. Plans also include the development of regional offices and modern, customer-oriented service spaces.
