Lasha Dolidze: Changes in Individual Indicators Do Not Reflect the Full Picture of Agricultural Sector Trends
Georgia’s agricultural sector has shown positive trends in recent years. Comparing production volumes for individual products alone does not provide a complete picture of the sector’s performance. Changes in productivity, production value, farm commercialisation, and export opportunities must also be considered.
When comparing agricultural data, it is also important to note that the sampling frame for the agricultural holdings survey was updated in 2016, using the 2014 Agricultural Census as its basis. Consequently, directly comparing data collected from 2014 onwards with data from 2006–2013 is not methodologically justified.
“When assessing trends in the agricultural sector, an increase or decrease in an individual indicator cannot reflect the full picture. Changes within the sector encompass rising productivity, farm commercialisation, shifts in production structure, improved economic performance, and the expansion of Georgian products’ presence in international markets,” said Deputy Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture Lasha Dolidze.
Despite reductions in the areas planted with certain crops, yields have increased in recent years. Between 2012 and 2025, average maize yields rose from 2.4 to 3 tonnes per hectare, while wheat yields increased from 1.7 to 2.9 tonnes per hectare. Potato yields reached 14–15 tonnes per hectare in 2025. This means that more produce can now be obtained from relatively smaller areas.
The changes are particularly evident in the livestock sector. While cattle numbers declined, annual milk yields per cow and female buffalo increased from 1,256 litres in 2012 to 1,716 litres in 2025. During the same period, beef production rose from 16,000 tonnes to more than 24,000 tonnes. These trends indicate increased productivity and a gradual transition towards more commercial production.
The share of small, subsistence-oriented farms is gradually declining, while commercial and industrial production is becoming increasingly important. This process is particularly significant for the livestock and dairy sectors, where developing modern production requires substantial capital and expertise.
Economic performance is another important indicator of the sector’s development. Between 2012 and 2025, the value of primary agricultural output nearly tripled, while farm profitability indicators also improved. Between 2015 and 2025, agri-food exports increased fourfold, exceeding USD 1.8 billion. New products, including blueberries, have also been added to Georgia’s agri-food export portfolio, and Georgian products continue to establish themselves in new markets.
