Hazelnut Production Incentive Program: Farmers Acquire ₾14.8 Million in Nut Orchard Care Products
As part of the ongoing hazelnut production promotional program, Georgian farmers have purchased nut orchard care products worth an impressive 14.8 million GEL.
The Minister of Environment Protection and Agriculture, Otar Shamugia, recently visited the Zugdidi Municipality to observe the cashing out process of accrued points under the hazelnut production scheme. He was accompanied by Irakli Chikovani, Zugdidi Majority Deputy.
At the local agro-store, farmers are accustomed to redeeming the points they've accumulated to purchase the necessary supplies to combat pests. During his interaction with the local farmers, Minister Shamugia underscored that the hazelnut production program would not only ensure well-tended orchards and superior yields but also guarantee increased income for the farmers. "Hazelnuts are a crucial income source for the people of Samegrelo. The government remains committed to supporting farmers; through collective efforts, I am optimistic that we will witness a significantly better harvest this year", he commented.
The nut production incentive program, which launched last November, is designed to support more than 90,000 nut farmers. It incorporates measures to control pests and diseases across over 44,000 hectares of nut orchards.
Eligibility for the program is restricted to Georgian citizens who either own or possess a hazelnut orchard, with the size ranging from 0.2 ha to 3 ha. The subsidy is calculated at 500 GEL per 1 ha of hazelnut orchard.
So far, farmers participating in the program have spent 14.8 million GEL on care products for nut orchards. The total value of points accrued is more than 21.5 million GEL. Participants receive subsidies via points added to their Liberty Bank agro-cards, which can be redeemed at over 500 specialized agricultural stores throughout Georgia until August 31, 2023.
This initiative is a significant boost for the agricultural sector, enhancing both productivity and profitability for the farmers involved.