The Georgian Academy of Agricultural Sciences expresses its deep sorrow over the death of His Holiness Ilia II, Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, Archbishop of Mtskheta-Tbilisi, Metropolitan of Bichvinta and Tskhum-Abkhazia.

  It was a special honor and pride for our Academy that His Holiness was named an Honorary Academician of Georgian Academy of Agricultural Sciences.

His contribution to the revival of Georgian agriculture, land, and traditional industries is invaluable. The Patriarch’s constant care for the spiritual and material well-being of the country will always remain for us an example of great responsibility and love for the homeland.

In the form of the Patriarch, Georgia has lost a great spiritual father and chief shepherd, and the scientific community has lost a great colleague with impeccable intellect and wisdom, whose prayers and blessings have always strengthened activities in our field.

All members of Georgian Academy of Agricultural Sciences and agrarian scientists express their condolences to the Holy Synod of the Georgian Orthodox Church, the clergy, and to all of Georgia.

Professor Tamaz Batsikadze was awarded the Georgian Technical University  Gold Medal

The Rector of the Georgian Technical University, Academician David Gurgenidze, by the decision of the Academic Council, awarded Professor Tamaz Batsikadze the GTU Gold Medal and a certificate confirming the award for his outstanding services to the university, and his solid contribution to the development of science and education of many generations.

As David Gurgenidze stated at the Academic Council, Professor Tamaz Batsikadze has made an outstanding contribution to the development of the Georgian Technical University for decades, as well as to the process of educating the new generation in accordance with high standards, on the basis of which the Academic Council made the decision to award him.

The award established on May 19, 2022 - the GTU "Gold Medal" - will be awarded for outstanding services to the Georgian Technical University, based on the nomination of the Rector and the decision of the Academic Council. Since its inception, this award has been awarded to more than 80 scientists and researchers, including both Georgian and foreign citizens.

“The “Gold Medal” of the Georgian Technical University is an award of special importance, which is awarded for many years of fruitful activity, professional dedication and significant contributions to the university. This is an expression of gratitude and respect from the university towards those people who serve with great devotion not only the development of science, but also play an important role in the education and professional development of the young specialists.

The Georgian Academy of Agricultural Sciences cordially congratulates the distinguished scientist on this highest award, wishes him health, courage and many new achievements in the development of our country.

Congratulations

Nodar Chitanava is 90 years old

  Doctor of Economic Sciences, Professor, Full Member of the Georgian Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Academician Nodar Chitanava turned 90 on March 10 of this year, and 60 years of scientific, pedagogical and public activity.

Nodar Chitanava was born on March 10, 1936 in the village of Chkadua, Zugdidi district. After graduating from Tsalenjikha Secondary School with a silver medal in 1954, he continued his studies at Georgian Polytechnic Institute, specializing in industrial and civil construction, after which he was awarded the qualification of an engineer-builder. In 1968, he graduated with honors from the Higher Party School under the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union (hereinafter the Academy of Social Sciences) with a degree in philosophy and political economy. In 1970, he defended his candidate's dissertation and was awarded the scientific degree of Candidate of Economic Sciences. In 1993, after defending his doctoral dissertation on the topic: "Economic, organizational and managerial relations in the Georgian agro-industrial complex during the transition to a market economy", he was awarded the scientific degree of Doctor of Economic Sciences. In 1994, he was elected a corresponding member of the Georgian Academy of Agricultural Sciences, and in 1995 - a full member of the Academy - Academician. In 2004, by the decision of the Council of Professors of the Presidium of Georgian Academy of Sciences, Academician Nodar Chitanava was awarded the scientific and pedagogical title of Professor (08.00.09. Macroeconomics, Regional Economics).

Mr. Nodar Chitanava's work biography is rich. He began his labor activity as a foreman of a construction brigade. Since1959, he has been working in Komsomol and party positions: instructor, second secretary, first secretary of the Zugdidi District Committee of the Komsomol; secretary of the Zugdidi District Committee of the Party; deputy secretary of the Zugdidi Industrial Zone Party Committee; instructor of the Agricultural Department of the Central Committee of the Party; first secretary of the Tskhakaia District Committee of the Party. In 1973-1974, he was the second secretary of the Adjara Regional Committee of the Georgian Communist Party; In 1974-1979 - Minister of Agriculture of the Georgian SSR, in 1979-1985 - First Deputy Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the Georgian SSR, in 1985-1989 - Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Georgia, and in 1989-1990 - Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the Georgian SSR.

After the declaration of independence of Georgia, in 1991-1992, he was the Minister of Agriculture, Food Industry and Forestry of the Republic of Georgia; in 1990-1991, he was a member of the Supreme Council of the Republic of Georgia of the first convocation.

Nodar Chitanava signed the Act of Restoration of State Independence of Georgia (April 9, 1991).

It is also noteworthy that Mr. Nodar was elected a deputy of the Supreme Council of the Georgian SSR, a deputy of the Supreme Council of the Soviet Union. For 8 years (two convocations) he was the Chairman of the Standing Commission on Construction and Building Materials Industry of the same Council.

Nodar Chitanava, along with his state activities, was successfully engaged in scientific and pedagogical activities. In 1993-2004, he worked as the Director of the Scientific Research Institute of Socio-Economic and Regional Problems of Georgia, and since 2005 he has been engaged in pedagogical and scientific research activities.

Nodar Chitanava's scientific activities are extensive and diverse. His research concerns such fundamental issues as globalization and transformation of the national economy, development of the agro-industrial complex of Georgia, socio-economic development of regions, rational and effective use of land resources, as well as Georgia's intellectual potential, etc.

Nodar Chitanava developed a concept for the formation and improvement of organizational-economic and managerial relations of the agro-industrial complex during the period of transition to market relations. These and other problems are discussed in the monographs:

- “Agriculture of Georgia: Transformation, Problems, Prospects”;

- “Socio-economic Problems of the Transition Period”;

- “Social Economy” (co-authored);

- “Metamorphoses and Prospects of the Georgian Economy”;

- “Challenges and Strategy of the Georgian Economy”;

- “Global Challenges in a Unipolar World” and others.

Nodar Chitanava experienced the power of the impact of the “visible” and “invisible” processes of the collision of the interests of two eras: the Soviet Empire and independent Georgia. In both eras, he served his homeland with the same responsibility, love and devotion. He is actually a “bridge” between the past and the future. It is not by chance that his colleagues call him the “last Mohican” of state thinking, a “living archive”. He is a good example of how a person can maintain academic honesty and a state vision regardless of the configuration of political forces in the country.

One of the first steps in the struggle for Georgia's economic sovereignty is considered to be the historic resolution of the Council of Ministers of Georgia in 1990 on the establishment of the Georgian Academy of Agricultural Sciences and the definition of its structure. With this decision, Georgia took upon itself the function of scientific management of the country's agrarian-industrial complex.

Nodar Chitanava's work is still connected with the Academy today. He is a member-advisor of the Presidium and coordinator of scientific directions. He energetically and purposefully participates in determining the scientific foundations of the development of the country's agrarian sector, in strengthening the leading role of the Academy. He provides an exemplary person of hard work, high responsibility, the use of innovations in research, a large-scale vision of the development of the country's economy, and the search for opportunities for the complex and accelerated implementation of the still unused resource potential.

Nodar Chitanava, a person, statesman, and scientist, is a good example of how devotedly a modern citizen should serve his native land, realizing his responsibility, preserving and strengthening the identity and uniqueness of his homeland which is the duty of every Georgian at all times.

The Georgian Academy of Agricultural Sciences cordially congratulates Academician Nodar Chitanava on these remarkable dates - 90 years since his birth and 60 years of scientific, pedagogical, and public activity, and wishes him good health, long life, and fruitful creative work for the benefit of our country.

World Wildlife Day

   On March 6 of this year, a thematic session dedicated to World Wildlife Day was held in the meeting hall of the Georgian Academy of Agricultural Sciences, organized by the Department of Environmental Protection and Forestry Sciences of the Academy. The session was attended by: Academician - Secretary of the Department of Environmental Protection and Forestry Sciences of the Academy, Academician Lasha Dolidze, Corresponding Member, Acting Director of the V. Gulisashvili Forestry Institute, Doctor of Forestry Giorgi Kavtaradze, scholarship holder of the department: Doctor of Agriculture Zviad Tiginashvili, Research Fellow of the V. Gulisashvili Forestry Institute, Doctor of Biology Medea Burjanadze, staff members.

The session was opened by Academician - Lasha Dolidze. After a short welcome, he handed over the floor to Z. Tiginashvili, Associate Professor, who presented a report on the topic: “The Potential of Georgia’s Forests and New Opportunities for Carbon Trading”. The speaker noted that climate change is one of the most important global challenges today. Forests play an important role in reducing this problem. They absorb carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the atmosphere and reduce the amount of greenhouse gases. Georgian forests are not only of ecological importance. They may also become an important economic resource in the carbon credit market.

Carbon trading is an economic mechanism that allows reducing CO₂ emissions to be converted into financial benefits. Its basic principle is as follows: 1 ton of CO₂ is equal to one Carbon Credit. Companies buy these credits to offset their own emissions. If Georgia were to join carbon trading, it would be possible to receive approximately $150–250 million in annual revenue, which could become a new economic sector, a source of investment, and an important tool for regional development.

However, there are also certain challenges in this direction. These include the creation of an effective forest monitoring system, accurate inventory of carbon stocks, establishment of relevant legal regulations and reduction of the problem of illegal logging. For the development of this area, it is necessary to create a national carbon database (Carbon Registry), introduce satellite monitoring and, which is very important, certify forests at the international level.

Finally, Georgian forests have great potential not only in terms of environmental protection, but also as an economic resource in the global carbon market. The development of carbon trading can become a new opportunity for the country, which will simultaneously contribute to the fight against climate change, the protection of natural resources and the development of the economy.

At the end of the thematic session, a very interesting discussion was held in question-answer mode. The speaker gave comprehensive answers to the questions asked.

The theatrical session was summarized by the Academician Lasha Dolidze, who thanked the speakers and the audience for coming and noted that such meetings will contribute to the discussion and resolution of current issues related to Georgia's forests in the future.

Ceremonial Meeting

Ceremonial Meeting at the Academy Dedicated to International Women's Day

  On March 6, 2026, a ceremonial meeting dedicated to International Women's Day - March 8 was held at Georgian Academy of Agricultural Sciences.

The ceremonial meeting was attended by: President of the Academy, Academician Givi Japaridze; Deputy President, Academician Anatoly Giorgadze; Chief Academician-Secretary, Academician Aleksandre Didebulidze; Head of the Academic Department, Academician Marine Barvenashvili; Presidium Advisor Academician Nodar Chitanava; Academician-Secretary of the Department of Environmental Protection and Forestry, Academician Lasha Dolidze, Academician Jemal Gugushvili and staff members.

The ceremonial meeting was opened by the President of the Academy, Academician Givi Japaridze, who, after greeting, noted that International Women's Day - March 8 is an important date. It is a global holiday and aims to appreciate, empower and promote women's achievements. He emphasized the fact that the majority of employees at the Academy are women who perform their duties properly. Then he congratulated the women on the upcoming holiday, wishing them health, prosperity and success in their future activities.

Women were also congratulated on March 8 by the Presidium Advisor, Academician Nodar Chitanava and the Deputy President, Academician Anatoly Giorgadze.

At the end of the ceremonial meeting, the Head of the Academic Department, Academician Marine Barvenashvili, presented certificates of honor to the women working in the apparatus for their long and fruitful labor activity.

The following were awarded the Academy's honorary certificate:

Chief Accountant - Eter Kurashvili.

Certificates of appreciation were awarded to:

Personnel Inspector - Ekaterine Migriauli;

Head of the Chancellery - Irma Chkoidze;

Leading Specialist - Personal Data Protection Officer -

Tsiala Tegetashvili;

Senior Specialist - Luiza Tsiklauri;

Cleaner - Ludmila Sulakvelidze;

Leading Specialist - Mariam Mosashvili;

Leading Specialist - Head of the Information Center - Ketevan Chipashvili;

Cleaner - Kristine Samkharadze.

 Workshop

“Strengthening Inclusive and Environmentally Sustainable Non-Wood Forest Products Value Chains in Georgia”

  On March 4-5, 2026, a workshop on the topic: “Strengthening Inclusive and Environmentally Sustainable Non-Wood Forest Products Value Chains in Georgia” was held at the Radisson Blu Iveria Hotel in Tbilisi.

The main objectives of the workshop were: Capacity building: Building knowledge on the economic, environmental and social importance of non-wood forest products, based on global best practices and regional experiences;

Strategic planning: Developing a joint roadmap for priority non-wood forest products value chains in Georgia and strengthening value chains by identifying a general outline of potential future projects.

The workshop was attended by: representatives of national government agencies, international and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), academia and research institutions; as well as technical experts, producers and other stakeholders involved in the value chain of non-timber forest products. The workshop was attended by Academician Lasha Dolidze, Secretary of the Department of Environmental Protection and Forestry Sciences of Georgian Academy of Agricultural Sciences.

Non-timber forest products include all resources obtained from forests that do not contain wood. Such resources include mushrooms, medicinal raw materials, technical raw materials, herbaceous and shrubby plants and their products, etc. These products play an important role in:

• Diversifying income for forest-dependent communities

• Establishing sustainable forest management practices

• Developing local, regional and national economies.

As a result of the workshop, a strategic national roadmap for non-timber forest products value chains in Georgia and a concept for a project proposal to be submitted to donors in the future were developed.

Round Table,

Correspondent Member of the Georgian Academy of Agricultural Sciences Levan Lazishvili -100

 On February 27 of this year, a Round Table was organized at the Department of Food Safety and Food Technology Sciences of Georgian Academy of Agricultural Sciences, dedicated to the 100th anniversary of Levan Lazishvili, Doctor of Technical Sciences, Professor, Honored Engineer and Inventor, Correspondent Member of Georgian Academy of Agricultural Sciences.

The round table was attended by: Academician-Secretary of the Department of Food Safety and Food Technology Sciences of the Academy, Academician Zurab Tskitishvili, members of the department, academicians: Temur Revishvili, Guram Papunidze, Edisher Kvesitadze, Corresponding Member Malkhaz Dolidze, Head of the Academic Department, Academician Marine Barvenashvili, as well as the Academy's Leading Specialist Larisa Chaika and Head of the Information Center Ketevan Chipashvili. It is noteworthy that the President of the Georgian Tea Producers Association, Mr. Tengiz Svanidze, attended the round table as a guest.

The round table was opened and the Academician-Secretary of the Department of Food Safety and Food Technology Sciences, Academician Zurab Tskitishvili, addressed a welcoming speech to the audience. Mr. Zurab emphasized Levan Lazishvili’s contribution to the popularization of Georgian tea and his contribution to the development of the field. Then he handed over the floor to Academician Guram Papunidze, who presented an extensive report to the audience. Academician Guram Papunidze introduced Levan Lazishvili’s biographical data to the audience. It was noted that Levan Lazishvili was a tea and subtropical crops processing engineer-technologist by specialty, who devoted most of his life to the study of tea plant culture. This is clearly evidenced by his candidate and doctoral theses, which he defended on the topics: “Laocha Technology” and “Research of Rough Tea Plant Shoots and Ways of Their Rational Use, and Intensification of Technological Processes”. The speaker also drew attention to L. Lazishvili's activities, both in leadership positions and in scientific research institutions. In particular, Mr. Levan successfully led the Batumi Tea Factory Inter-District Production Union and the Kobuleti District Production Union as the General Director for many years. He was the Deputy Director of the Batumi Institute of Agricultural Biotechnologies and Business in the scientific field, and at the same time was engaged in pedagogical activities.

The speaker emphasized the important research conducted by L. Lazishvili, which concerned the study of the chemical properties of rough tea leaves and the technology of making Lao-tea from them; the development of a new complex technology for green and black tea and a new method of briquettes; the creation of a system of machines for thermal processing of tea leaves to develop an energy-saving method in the production of green tea, etc.

At the round table L. Academician Temur Revishvili and corresponding member Malkhaz Dolidze also spoke about Lazishvili's activities and his contribution to the development of the field. L. Lazishvili was remembered with special warmth and love by Mr. Tengiz Svanidze, who spoke of Mr. Levan not only as a talented and successful scientist, but also as a kind and benevolent person, who was endowed with a number of positive personal qualities.

The work of the round table was summarized by Academician Z. Tskitishvili, who thanked the members of the department and invited guests for their active participation in the work of the round table.

Meeting of the Commission for the Study of Scientific Problems of Natural Disasters of Georgian National Academy of Sciences

On February 26, 2026, a meeting of the Commission for the Study of Scientific Problems of Natural Disasters of the Georgian National Academy of Sciences was held in the session hall of the Georgian National Academy of Sciences. The topic was presented: “Safety of the Niko Nikoladze House-Museum and Garden-Park Territory from Floods” - Speaker: Givi Gavardashvili - Chairman of the Commission for the Study of Scientific Problems of Natural Disasters of the Georgian National Academy of Sciences, Academician of the Georgian National Academy of Sciences.

The meeting of the commission was attended by: President of the Georgian National Academy of Sciences, Academician R. Metreveli, members of the Presidium of the Georgian National Academy of Sciences and the Commission for the Study of Scientific Problems of Natural Disasters of the Georgian National Academy of Sciences. The meeting was attended by Academician - Secretary of the Department of Environmental Protection and Forestry Sciences of the Academy, Academician L. Dolidze.

Based on the data obtained as a result of the conducted scientific research and laboratory studies, a sewage system has been designed to regulate surface waters for the safety of the Niko Nikoladze House-Museum and Garden-Park territory. A drainage system has been designed to remove groundwater, which allows protecting the facility from floods.

A discussion was held around the above issue.

The session was summed up and the audience was thanked for their presence by the President of the Georgian National Academy of Sciences, Academician R. Metreveli.

Agrarian Innovations Commission Meeting

  On February 18 of this year, a meeting of the Agrarian Innovations Commission under the Presidium of the Academy was held, at which the Chief Specialist of the Sagarejo Information and Consulting Center of the Kakheti Regional Service of the Rural Development Agency, Doctor of Technical Sciences Nikoloz Javakhishvili, presented a report on the topic: "Technology for preventing wind and water erosion of soil on slopes and maintaining moisture" (for the conditions of the Sagarejo Municipality).

The farmer noted that a large part of the non-irrigated lands of the Sagarejo Municipality (more than 40% of the land area) is located on steep slopes, which is why their cultivation using mobile agricultural technical means is somewhat complicated, since their use is possible only when the slope does not exceed 15⁰.

It is worth emphasizing that the area of ​​vineyards and perennial crops in the municipality is increasing every year at the expense of areas occupied by annual crops (wheat, corn, etc.), as well as natural meadows, annual and perennial grasses. This poses a serious obstacle to the management of the food base for livestock, since it is on their basis that concentrated and coarse feed is produced.

Due to geographical, soil and climatic conditions, agricultural lands in Sagarejo Municipality are subject to strong wind and water erosion. In particular, the Iori plateau, where the agricultural lands of the municipality are located, is subject to strong wind erosion, with wind speeds often exceeding 20 m/s, and the number of windy days exceeding 70%. Particularly strong winds are recorded in February, March and April. Due to strong winds, the humus layer is blown away, which damages the root system of newly sprouted autumn crops, reduces the yield and completely destroys the crop.

The speaker also emphasized the fact that wind-eroded plots also suffer from a lack of moisture, the reason for which is the uneven distribution of precipitation according to the seasons. These phenomena are also aggravated by the fragmentation of plots received by the population as a result of privatization and the cutting down of windbreaks. As for agricultural plots located on slopes, in addition to wind erosion, their water erosion is caused by regular runoff of melted snow, rain and snowmelt. As a result of increased water erosion, natural pastures, which are mainly located on slopes, are in no less difficult condition, because it is not possible to effectively retain the incoming precipitation, the humus layer is washed away, due to which the productivity of these pastures does not correspond to their potential capabilities.

Mr. Nikoloz introduced to the audience the technology of strip cultivation of agricultural plots located on slopes developed by his service, which can increase yields by 2-3 times and also reduce labor and operating costs. The mentioned project won the competition “Climate-Smart Agriculture” organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Center for Environmental Protection and Education, Green Climate Fund (GCF).

After the report, a discussion was held, the speaker was asked questions and expressed his opinion: Academicians: A. Didebulidze and L. Dolidze, Corresponding Member of the Academy O. Tedoradze, Professors: O. Karchava and Ts. Samadashvili, Doctors: E. Katsitadze, G. Tsopurashvili, Engineer Ts. Natsvlishvili. Dr. Javakhishvili gave exhaustive answers to all questions. After the meeting, the draft resolution was unanimously adopted, taking into account certain remarks. 

Women Agricultural Scientists at the Service of the Country's

Agricultural Sector

  On February 11, 2026, the Georgian Academy of Agricultural Sciences traditionally held a ceremonial session dedicated to the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. The session was opened and the invited guests were welcomed by the Vice-President of the Academy, Academician Guram Aleksidze.

“On December 22, 2015, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution declaring February 11 as the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. The main goal of the resolution was to achieve qualitative changes in the process of involving women and girls in the scientific field. There are many female scientists working in various fields of science in Georgia, among whom there are many successful female agrarian scientists. They make a significant contribution to the development of the country’s agrarian sciences and, accordingly, the field. One of such women was Ksenia Bakhtadze, the first Georgian female academician in agrarian science, Doctor of Biological Sciences, and breeder. She worked at the Chakvi Experimental Station, where she bred 19 varieties of tea. No less merit was rendered to the country by Ms. Rusudan Khubutia. She was a plant protector. Ms. Rusudan’s scientific work in Georgia concerned The problem of weed infestation of agricultural crops, their harmfulness, and aspects of bio-ecology. Professor Khubutia was a member/correspondent of the Georgian Academy of Agricultural Sciences,” noted G. Aleksidze.

Academician-Secretary of the Department of Agronomic Sciences of the Academy, Academician Gogola Margvelshvili, spoke about the contributions and merits of Georgian women scientists. She recalled Barbara Kipiani, granddaughter of Georgian public figure Dimitri Kipiani, who was one of the first Georgian doctors and scientists who got a diploma of a doctor in Europe. She was an author of many fundamental works, and a member of the French Medical Academy, the first Georgian psycho-physiologist working in Europe. The speaker emphasized her contribution to the popularization of Georgian spirituality and culture abroad.

Academician Margvelashvili also spoke about her path in science, about the research she conducted to reveal the effectiveness of phosphorus fertilizers in different types of soils of Eastern and Western Georgia; The effect of these fertilizers on the yield and quality of agricultural crops, soil fertility, the environment, and the dynamics of phosphates in the soil. The speaker also reported to the audience about the activities she carried out in the direction of raising young scientists. Under her supervision, 17 candidates of sciences and 4 doctors of sciences have defended dissertations.

During the ceremonial session, the invited guests, women working in the field of agrarian sciences delivered speeches. Among the speakers were: Eliso Gvelesiani, Manana Kachakhidze, Marina Donduashvili, Inga Gaprindashvili, Natalia Togonidze. They spoke about their field and activities.

Afterwards, a ceremony was held to award women scientists working in the agricultural field with honorary certificates from the Georgian Academy of Agricultural Sciences.

The following were awarded the honorary diploma of the Georgian Academy of Agricultural Sciences:

- Doctor of Agriculture - Maia Kheladze

- Doctor of Technology - Nana Gogishvili

- Doctor of Economics - Eliso Gvelesiani

- Doctor of Physics and Mathematics - Manana Kachakhidze

- Doctor of Agrarian Sciences - Eteri Tkesheliadze

- Doctor of Agriculture - Marina Donduashvili

- Master of Veterinary Medicine - Lena Ninidze

- Doctor of Agriculture - Narguli Asanidze

- Doctor of Agriculture - Lamzira Gorgiladze

- Doctor of Agriculture - Nargiza Alasania

- Doctor of Technical Sciences - Inga Gaprindashvili

- Doctor of Life Sciences - Natalia Togonidze

- Doctor of Agriculture - Tatia Khositashvili

 The ceremonial session was attended by: Deputy President of the Academy, Academician Anatoly Giorgadze, Chief Academician-Secretary, Academician Aleksandre Didebulidze, Academician Nodar Chitanava, Head of the Academic Department, Academician Marine Barvenashvili; Academician-Secretary of the Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Sciences, Academician Tengiz Kurashvili, Academician-Secretary of the Department of Environmental Protection and Forestry Sciences, Academician Lasha Dolidze, Academician Jemal Gugushvili and staff of the Office.

Event in the Parliament of Georgia

In connection with the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, an event on the topic - "Women in Biotechnology: Science and Innovation" was held in the Parliament of Georgia.      

   The Speaker of the Parliament, Shalva Papuashvili, addressed the participants of the event.

“Science, the development of thought, research, and the discovery of new things are what drives the world. Throughout history, many outstanding female scientists have been complicit in progress. Georgian female scientists have distinguished themselves not only in Georgia, but also in the international scientific space. From school age, the desire for innovation and discovery should be fostered. In this regard, school education is the most important, which should allow students to demonstrate their abilities. This is naturally followed by higher education. One of the important directions of the education reform is to return science to universities, so that academic activity includes active scientific work, and this is not an additional, secondary activity,” said Mr.Shalva Papuashvili.

- 

Deputy Speaker of the Parliament Nino Tsilosani addressed the invited guests with a welcoming speech.

“Women’s participation in science is not only a matter of equality, it is the basis for the quality of research, intellectual diversity and innovative development. Biotechnology, which is a special focus of today, is an area of ​​strategic importance that is directly related to health, bio-safety and the country’s technological progress. Biotechnology is a space where knowledge is directly transformed into a public good, be it medicine, pharmacy, agriculture or epidemiological security. It is especially important that women not only participate in this process, but are often the creators of the achievements that the Georgian scientific school is proud of,” said Nino Tsilosani.

Mariam Lashkhi, Chairwoman of the Temporary Commission on Women and Children's Issues and the Committee on Education, Science and Youth Affairs, spoke about the role of women in science and the responsibility of the state to support women in science.

“They say that science has no gender. A formula, a discovery, a research result really has no gender, but the person who stands behind this discovery has a history. The history of a female scientist often includes additional challenges: combining family and career and facing the challenges of stereotypes. That is why every achievement of women scientists is particularly valuable, and it is the responsibility of the state not only to recognize equality, but also to create real conditions for it. Our job is to ensure that every girl who is interested in a laboratory, a telescope or a mathematical formula, feel that the country is by her side, not only on February 11, but every day of the year,” said Mariam Lashkhi.

Givi Mikanadze, Minister of Education, Science and Youth, and Teimuraz Dochviri, Director General of the Shota Rustaveli Georgian National Science Foundation, addressed the invited guests and congratulated women scientists on their professional day.

.

The event discussed the issue of “Biotechnologies in Georgia – Where Are We Today? Women’s Experience in Biotechnologies”, the participants spoke about current state of development of the field in Georgia, its scientific potential and the importance of women scientists’ involvement.

Tinatin Sadunishvili was awarded a certificate of appreciation for her outstanding contribution to the scientific and educational field of biotechnology in the country; Marine Barvenashvili, Academician of Georgian Academy of Agricultural Sciences was awarded for her outstanding contribution to the agricultural scientific and educational field.

The event was attended by members of the legislative and executive authorities and representatives of the scientific field.

Academician of Georgian Academy of Agricultural Sciences,

Doctor of Agriculture    Marine Barvenashvili

On February 11, 2026

Was awarded a Certificate of Appreciation by the Parliament of Georgia

For her outstanding contribution to the country's agrarian scientific and educational field, high standards of research activities and significant contribution to the development of society.

Georgian Academy of Agricultural Sciences cordially congratulates Dr. Marine Barvenashvili

on this great award wishes her success in scientific and public activities for the benefit of our country!

International Day of Women and Girls in Science

The Ministry of Education, Science and Youth of Georgia celebrated the International Day of Women and Girls in Science

  On February 11, the Ministry of Education, Science and Youth of Georgia and the Shota Rustaveli National Science Foundation of Georgia organized an award ceremony for women and girls in science at the conference hall of the Paragraph Hotel.

Givi Mikanadze, Minister of Education, Science and Youth of Georgia, congratulated the audience on the International Day of Women and Girls in Science and spoke about the invaluable contribution of women to the development of the field of science.

Successful women scientists were awarded.

"This award is a kind of expression of our gratitude, recognition and respect for the tireless work of women scientists, which serves the progress and better future of the country. One of our important concerns is to implement even more supportive initiatives for women in the field of science and education. This is also confirmed by the fact that in recent years, over the past 5 years, about 2,700 projects of women scientists have been funded in the competitions of the Shota Rustaveli Georgian National Science Foundation. Their achievements and innovative vision strengthen the scientific field, create new opportunities and change the future of our country for the better,” said Givi Mikanadze.

Together with the minister, the scientists were presented with an honorary award by Teimuraz Dochviri, Director General of the Shota Rustaveli Georgian National Science Foundation.

The following persons were awarded for their exceptional contribution to science: Nino Kobauri, Marekh Mazanashvili, Tinatin Tkemaladze, Marika Tedoradze, Ia Mosashvili, Elza Jincharadze, Nino Tsulaia, Nino Beridze and Natela Baghatrishvili.

Within the framework of the event, the Chairwoman of the Committee on Education, Science and Youth Affairs of the Parliament of Georgia, Mariam Lashkhi, and the Deputy Chairwoman of the Tbilisi Municipality Council, Tinatin Nibloshvili, also addressed the gathering.

The event was attended by the following persons: Deputy Minister of Education, Science and Youth of Georgia, Zviad Gabisonia, Chairman of the Government of the Autonomous Republic of Abkhazia, Giorgi Jincharadze, President of the National Academy of Sciences, Academician Roin Metreveli, representatives of the Shota Rustaveli Georgian National Science Foundation, and other invited guests. The event was attended by the Chief Academician-Secretary of the Academy, Academician Aleksandre Didebulidze.

The awarding ceremony for women and girls in science was organized by the Ministry of Education, Science and Youth of Georgia and the Shota Rustaveli Georgian National Science Foundation.

Working Meeting

Working Meeting on the Development of an Action Plan for the Further Development of the UNESCO-Recognized “Georgian Wheat Culture: Traditions and Rituals

 On February 5 of this year, a working meeting was organized by the Agriculture Committee of the Parliament of Georgia to develop an action plan for the further development of the UNESCO-recognized “Georgian Wheat Culture: Traditions and Rituals”.

The meeting was opened with a welcoming speech by the Chairman of the Agriculture Committee of the Parliament of Georgia, Mr. Gela Samkharauli.

"After UNESCO included Georgian wheat culture in the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, this recognition needs not only to be maintained, but also to be further developed. At today's working meeting, we gathered participants involved in previous preparatory processes and jointly discussed future plans. Our goal is to use the international recognition of Georgian wheat culture for the benefit of our country. Georgian wheat and the endemic varieties are unique, and introducing it to the international community will bring positive results both from an economic point of view and in terms of tourism development," said Gela Samkharauli.  

    Representatives of the legislative and executive authorities, the Patriarchate and farmers' associations, and experts in the field spoke about the measures that will be taken to protect and popularize Georgian wheat.

The meeting was attended by the Deputy President of the Academy, Academician Anatoly Giorgadze, from the Georgian Academy of Agricultural Sciences, who expressed the readiness of the Georgian Academy of Agricultural Sciences to provide scientific support for the preservation and popularization of endemic varieties of Georgian wheat. He provided the audience with information about the state program recommendations "Grain" for the sustainable and safe development of grain farming developed by the Academy.

After the opinions expressed at the working meeting are reconciled, an action plan will be prepared that will support the further development of Georgian wheat culture.

Meeting regarding amendments to the Forest Codex

   Within the framework of the National Forestry Program, a public discussion was held at the Ministry of Environment Protection and Agriculture with the participation of representatives of state agencies, academic circles, non-governmental and international organizations regarding the Amendments to the Forest Codex.

Academician Lasha Dolidze, Academician-Secretary of the Department of Environmental Protection and Forestry Sciences of the Academy, participated in the meeting from the Georgian Academy of Agricultural Sciences.

It was noted at the meeting that the main priority is the restoration of degraded forests, and the physical protection of forests. Accordingly, the amendments to the Code provide for the improvement of monitoring and control, and strengthening of forest protection mechanisms; it is also planned to simplify business processes and optimize the costs.

"The planned changes to the Forest Codex aim to strengthen the protection of forest resources and forests with modern technologies and technical equipment; as well as to increase the number and qualifications of foresters and forest guards. It is noteworthy that as part of the reform, from January 1, 2026, with the support of the Government of Georgia, the salaries of employees in this field have significantly increased. In parallel, it is planned to more actively involve the commercial sector, enhance the transparency of activities, and optimize costs in order to form a competitive market and make forest resources accessible to entrepreneurs," said Zurab Ezugbaia, Deputy Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture.

The draft law emphasizes the function of physical forest protection of the National Forestry Agency. It is planned to add 401 forest guards, as a result of which the area to be protected per guard will decrease from 10-15 thousand hectares to an average of 2,000 hectares. Also, in order to increase the effectiveness of forest protection and monitoring, it is planned to technically re-equip the National Forestry Agency with modern technological means.

Academician Zurab Tskitishvili turned   85
         

 Doctor of Technical Sciences, Member of the Presidium of Georgian Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Academician-Secretary of the Department of Food Safety and Food Technology Sciences, Academician Zurab Tskitishvili turned 85 on January 31 of this year, and 60 years of scientific, pedagogical and public activity.

Zurab Tskitishvili was born on January 31, 1941 in Tbilisi. In 1965 he successfully graduated from of Chemistry and Food Technology of the Georgian Polytechnic Institute, specializing in food technology and began working at the Tbilisi Dairy Plant. In 1972, he continued his work as the head of production at the Gardabani Cheese and Butter Factory, and in 1973 - as the director of the same factory. In 1976-1991, Mr. Zurab Tskitishvili was the chief engineer of the Georgian Milk Union; in 1991-1993 - the general director of the Tbilisi Dairy Plant, and since 1993 till is a President of "Amaltea". He has made a great contribution to the development of the dairy processing industry in the country.

In 1995-2007, Mr. Tskitishvili was elected a deputy of the Parliament of Georgia for three convocations. In 1995-2002, he was the chairman of the Parliament's Economy Committee. During this period, several important laws for Georgia were adopted by the Parliament of Georgia on his initiative, including: “On National Independent Regulatory Bodies”, “On Food Quality and Safety”, “On the Chamber of Commerce” and others.

Zurab Tskitishvili began his scientific activity while his postgraduate studies at the Moscow Dairy Research Institute. In 1979, he defended his candidate's thesis there and was awarded the scientific degree of Candidate of Technical Sciences. In 1991, he defended his doctoral thesis at Moscow Meat Industry Research Institute and was awarded the scientific degree of Doctor of Technical Sciences.

In 1994, Mr.Tskitishvili was elected a Corresponding Member of the Georgian Academy of Agricultural Sciences, and in 1997, a Full Member (Academician).

Since 2013, he has been the Academician-Secretary of the Scientific Department of Animal Husbandry, Veterinary Medicine, Food Production and Animal Products Processing of Georgian Academy of Agricultural Sciences; and since 2018, he has been the Academician-Secretary of the Department of Food Safety and Food Technology Sciences and the Academy’s Sectoral Coordinator for Food Safety.

In 2014, the newly established Agricultural Scientific Research Center of the Ministry of Agriculture of Georgia established a Food Safety Risk Assessment Service, headed by Mr. Zurab Tskitishvili. He was elected Chairman of the Scientific Advisory Board of the same Center.

The merits of Mr. Zurab Tskitishvili in the creation and development of the risk assessment system in Georgia is noteworthy. Based on the assessment organized by him, the Georgian Government established the threshold values ​​​​of trans-isomeric fats with genotoxic properties in food and, most importantly, state control in this field was implemented. Also noteworthy is the approval of the “Post-pandemic Risk Assessment Concept” prepared by him in 2020 and the “Risk Assessment Initiation Procedures” document, which determines the systematic approach to the risk assessment process, developed by his authorship. In 2014, the newly established Agricultural Scientific Research Center of the Ministry of Agriculture of Georgia established a Food Safety Risk Assessment Service, headed by Mr. Zurab Tskitishvili. He was elected Chairman of the Scientific Advisory Board at the same center.

Mr. Zurab has been involved in the development of the Georgian food safety system for many years as a scientific expert, coordinator and author of strategic documents. His work is based on science-based decisions, risk-oriented approaches and harmonization with international standards. As a sector coordinator, whose activities include: development of risk assessment initiation procedures, identification and ranking of priority threats, systemic integration of the One Health concept, establishment of multidisciplinary working groups and coordination platforms, he performs a connecting function: between science and policy-making structures, between risk assessment and risk management, between the national system and international organizations (FAO, WHO, Codex Alimentarius).

Under the leadership of Academician Zurab Tskitishvili, a number of important initiatives have been implemented, including: development of SOPs for risk assessment and management; establishment of conceptual frameworks for integrated analysis of environmental, animal and human health; science-based solutions; transparent communication with the public; prevention as a systemic tool. His activities are aimed at sustainable strengthening of the national food safety system, improvement of public health protection and development of Georgia in line with international practices. Academician Zurab Tskitishvili currently continues his fruitful scientific and research activities at the Georgian Academy of Agricultural Sciences. He combined the solution of the most difficult technological and scientific tasks of the dairy processing industry with each other, laid the foundation for the risk assessment system. He has published about 90 scientific papers, including 2 books, and is the author of 17 inventions and 1 patent. He actively participates in both local and international conferences, congresses and symposiums. He has been awarded the “Order of Honor”.

Mr. Zurab Tskitishvili has two children, three grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

On behalf of Georgian Academy of Agricultural Sciences, We congratulate you on your significant dates, wish you good health and long life, fruitful creative scientific and public activities for the benefit of our country.

Awarding the Winners of the National Award Competition

   The award ceremony of the winners of the National Prize Competition was held at the Presidential Palace, in which the Minister of Education, Science and Youth of Georgia Givi Mikanadze participated.

In his speech, the Minister spoke about the importance of the National Prize Competition and drew attention to the outstanding role of scientists in the development of the country.

Givi Mikanadze congratulated the winners on their success and thanked them for their special contribution to the development of science.

“We thank each scientist who serves an exceptionally important aims and missions of our country. Being a scientist is a great responsibility – you bring the country such scientific achievements that becomes the property of the nation, but the results of your creative work require great knowledge and professionalism.

   Implementation of the initiatives such as the National Prize is particularly important. Awarding and recognizing scientists plays a crucial role in encouraging scientific activity, emphasizes the achievements of scientists and raises their authority, and also motivates young scientists, "said Givi Mikanadze.

The winners of the National Prize were awarded Georgian National Prize Laureate Diplomas, Badges and the corresponding cash prize by the President of Georgia Mikheil Kavelashvili.

The President thanked the winners for their worthy contribution to the enrichment of not only Georgian but also world scientific activity.

Based on the decision of the Georgian National Prize Commission, by the decree of the President, the Georgian National Prize was awarded to:

Levan Japaridze - for the cycle of scientific works: “Mechanics of Underground Structures”, “Calculation of Underground Structures Support at Limit States”, “Limit Service Conditions of Underground Structures”;

A group of authors: Roin Metreveli, Vakhtang Guruli, Lela Mikiashvili, Valerian Vashakidze, Giorgi Cheishvili, Otar Janelidze, Joni Kvitsiani and Aleksandre Daushvili - for the scientific monographic work “History of the Caucasus” (two volumes).

The National Prize Commission consisted of: Chairman of the Commission - Doctor of Law, Professor, Deputy Minister of Education, Science and Youth of Georgia Zviad Gabisonia

Commission members:

Doctor of Historical Sciences, Professor, Rector of Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University, Academician of the Georgian National Academy of Sciences Jaba Samushia;

Candidate of Technical Sciences, Professor, Rector of the Georgian Technical University, Academician of the Georgian National Academy of Sciences David Gurgenidze;

Doctor of Economic Sciences, - Academician-Secretary of the Georgian National Academy of Sciences Vladimer Papava;

Doctor of Economic Sciences, Professor, Academician, - President of the Georgian Academy of Agricultural Sciences Givi Japaridze;

Doctor of Physical Sciences, - Professor of Ilia State University, Academician of the Georgian National Academy of Sciences Giorgi Japaridze;

Doctor of Medicine, Professor, - Rector of Tbilisi State Medical University Irakli Natroshvili;

Doctor of Biological Sciences, Director of the Giorgi Eliava Institute of Bacteriophagy, Microbiology and Virology Mzia Kutateladze;

Doctor of Philological Sciences, Professor of Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University, Director of the Arnold Chikobava Institute of Linguistics of TSU Nana Machavariani.

The ceremony held at the Presidential Palace was attended by Zviad Gabisonia, Chairman of the National Prize Commission, Mariam Lashkhi, Chairman of the Education, Science and Youth Affairs Committee of the Parliament of Georgia, and Giorgi Chakvetadze, First Deputy Chairman of the Education, Science and Youth Affairs Committee. 

Meeting of the Innovation Commission

On January 21, 2026, a meeting of the Agrarian Innovations Commission under the Presidium of the Academy was held, at which the Head of the Agro-Industrial Crops Research Service of the Agricultural Scientific-Research Center, Associate Professor of the Georgian Agrarian University, Doctor of Agriculture Nani Goginashvili delivered a report on the topic: “Arrangement and Management of Windbreaks”.

The speaker noted that in Georgia, due to the action of strong winds, soils in agricultural areas often dry out and the humus layer is blown away, which causes crops to die. Under the influence of such winds, tree trunks, leaves, flowers, and fruits are damaged in orchards, which leads to a significant reduction in yield. As for annual crops, they are destroyed as a result of soil scattering and drying out. The country is divided into 3 regions based on the strength of the prevailing winds; Categorized into: with strong winds, moderately strong winds, and relatively weak winds.

In her report, Dr. Goginashvili emphasized that it is important for farmers and interested parties to know how to plan, cultivate, maintain, and manage windbreak zones, considering soil and climatic conditions and wind strength of a specific region of Georgia, also selecting appropriate plant species.

The speaker informed the audience that they had studied and discussed the structure, design, and functions of windbreaks; assessed wind erosion and the advantages of windbreaks in the process of growing crops for those plants most widely used to cultivate windbreaks in Georgia; It was recommended that soil and climatic conditions be taken into account when cultivating windbreaks, etc. A special emphasis was made on the importance of adhering to legislative regulations regarding the construction and maintenance of windbreaks.

The presentation was followed by discussion; the questions were asked and opinions were expressed by academicians: L. Dolidze and Al. Didebulidze, professors: Ts. Samadashvili, N. Ebanoidze and T. Bichiashvili, doctors: G. Tsopurashvili, E. Katsitadze, Z. Loladze, N. Dzidzikashvili, and L. Katamadze. After the meeting, the draft resolution was unanimously adopted, taking into account certain remarks.