Coordination Council meeting
Working on issues of the "Register of Learned Experts" at the National Academy of Sciences of Georgia
Coordination Council meeting in Georgia
On the state and prospects of science and innovation statistics

A meeting was held in the National Academy of Sciences of Georgia on July 8, 2022 with the participation of members of the National Academy of Sciences of Georgia, officials of the National Statistical Service of Georgia, members of the Coordination Council working on the issues of the "Register of Learned Experts" of the National Academy of Sciences of Georgia and the Technical University of Georgia. 
Academician Anatoli Giorgadze, deputy president of the Georgian Academy of Agricultural Sciences, was among the invited guests.
The session was opened by the vice-president of the National Academy of Sciences of Georgia, Academician Roin Metreveli, he spoke about the work carried out by the Coordination Council working on the issues of the "Register of Learned Experts", thanked each member of the Coordination Council for their work.

 At the session, Mr. R. In addition to Metreveli, Tbilisi State University professor Temur Beridze, Georgian National Academy of Sciences academicians Lado Papava and Kartlos Kachiashvili, Georgia Technical University Rector, Professor Davit Gurgenidze, Executive Director of the National Statistical Service of Georgia Gogita Todradze also spoke.
The session was summarized by the president of the National Academy of Sciences of Georgia, Academician Giorgi Kvesitadze.
He drew attention to the importance of the activities of the National Statistical Service of Georgia, especially the need to use the data provided by them in the direction of various scientific studies.
At the end of the session, a memorandum of cooperation was signed between the National Academy of Sciences of Georgia and the National Statistical Service of Georgia.

Cooperation of the Academy with the Institute "Techinform"

 On June 17, 2022, a meeting was held at the Academy of Agricultural Sciences of Georgia between the President of the Academy, Academician Guram Aleksidze and the Director of the Institute "Techinform" of the Technical University of Georgia, Mrs. Neli Gukradze. The meeting was attended by the head of the academic department of the academy, Acad. Elguja Shafakidze.

At the meeting, they discussed the forms of cooperation between the organizations and future perspectives. It was noted that Techinform placed the periodical "Moambe" of the Academy of Agricultural Sciences of Georgia in the database of FAO AGRIS (International Information System of Science and Technology of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization.) "Moambe" periodical of the Academy of Agricultural Sciences of Georgia (issues since 2015) and collections of works of the international scientific conference held at the Academy (issues since 2017). These records are available online at www.agris.fao.org and Google Scholar.

In addition, the bibliographic-abstract data of these journals is reflected in Techinform's scientific periodical - Georgian Abstract Journal and in Techinform's database "Georgian Scientific Publications" in Georgian and English (www.techinformi.ge).
Ms. Neli Gupradze introduced to the representatives of the Academy the future plans of "Techinform" and the measures that the institute intends to implement. At the meeting Acad. Guram Aleksidze expressed his desire that the Academy will take an active part in the seminars, trainings and all other events held under the auspices of the "Techinform" Institute. 

At the end of the meeting, the President of the Academy of Agricultural Sciences of Georgia Acad. Guram Aleksidze presented the certificate of honor of the Academy to the director of "Techinform" Institute, Mrs. Neli Gukradze, for her fruitful and qualified cooperation with the Academy.

Information
About the international scientific conference: "World viticulture and winemaking: history, modernity and perspectives of sustainable development".

  On July 1, 2022, the Technical University of Georgia organized an international scientific conference on the topic of: World viticulture and winemaking: history, modernity and perspectives of sustainable development".
Scientists from Georgia, Germany, Italy, Israel and Spain participated in the work of the conference.
The conference was divided into three working sections: winemaking (moderated by Academician of the Georgian Academy of Agricultural Sciences Guram Papunidze), Viticulture (moderators: Head of the Agrarian Development Department of the Ministry of Agriculture of Adjara Levan Bolkvadze and Professor Koba Kobaladze of the Technical University of Georgia) and wine business, tourism and marketing (moderators: professors of Technical University Nino Adamashvili and lela kochlamazashvili.)

From the Academy of Agricultural Sciences of Georgia, the President of the Academy, Academician Guram Aleksidze and the Deputy President, Academician Anatoli Giorgadze participated in the conference.
The President of the Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Academician Guram Aleksidze presented to a wide audience a report in which he touched on the history of the development of viticulture and winemaking in Georgia and the prospects for further development of the field. He noted that more work needs to be done in order to expand the export of Georgian wine and take a long-term sustainable place in the international market.
A total of 55 reports were read in the sections on the current state of viticulture and winemaking in Moflio, among them 17 reports were presented at the conference by leading scientists in the field of viticulture and winemaking, and 38 reports were presented by Georgian scientists.

Conference participants from the Academy, from the right: Acad. Guram Papunidze, President of the Academy,Acad. Guram Aleksidze, Acad. Anatoli Giorgadze.

Working meeting of agricultural and environmental education
Regarding promotion and awareness raising

On June 30, 2022, the joint project "Promotion of agricultural and environmental education and raising awareness" - "Professional training related to agriculture in Georgia" was held in the conference hall of the "Pullman" hotel with the participation of the Ministry of Environment and Agriculture of Georgia, the Environmental Information and Education Center and the Swiss Development and Cooperation Agency. Modernization of education (phase 2) presentation of results.
The meeting was attended by: representatives of the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia, non-governmental organizations, agricultural scientific-research center and farmers. Among the invited guests were the deputy president of the Georgian Academy of Agricultural Sciences, academician Anatoli Giorgadze and the learned secretary of the Academy's scientific departments, Dr. Marine Barvenashvili.
The meeting was opened by the Deputy Minister of Environment Protection and Agriculture of Georgia, Mr. Solomon Pavliashvili. He widely covered the problems related to the education of farmers and agricultural workers in Georgia, 

The local representative of UNDP, Nick Beresford, gave a welcoming speech to the audience, who spoke about the main goals of the project, the importance of the activities carried out within its framework and the achieved results.
Director of Environmental Information and Education Center Tamar Aladashvili summed up the meeting, who thanked the present community for coming and actively participating in the discussion of project results.

Sessions
On June 23, 2022, the session of the Department of Food Safety and Food Technology Sciences of the Academy of Agricultural Sciences of Georgia was held with the following agenda:
1. Academician Temur Revishvili's report on scientific activities and future plans in 2021.

- Information on the development of the tea-growing, citrus-growing and subtropical crops sector of Georgia in 2021-2025. and about the targeted scientific-technical program (concept) of scientific provision for the period until 2027.
Speaker: Academician Temur Revishvili

Session of the Scientific Council of the Academy
On June 28, a session of the Scientific Council of the Academy was held in the conference hall of the Georgian Academy of Agricultural Sciences.

At the session, the chief of staff of the Agrarian Affairs Committee of the Parliament of Georgia, Dr. Ivery Akhalbedashvili delivered presentation. Topic of the report: "Experience of rational use of agricultural lands in EU countries".

The speaker noted that for the long-term economic development of the state, it is necessary to create a transparent and unified system of agricultural land ownership.

Determining an effective agricultural land management policy and protecting private and state interests is the basis for the fruitful functioning of the market economy, the development of the agricultural sector, and the rational use of land resources.

With the implementation of the new edition of the Constitution of Georgia, the ownership of agricultural land was determined by the constitutional norm and it can be owned by the state, a self-governing unit, a citizen of Georgia or an association of citizens of Georgia.
The "Guiding Principles" developed by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) emphasize the special importance of land for the realization of basic human rights, food security, poverty alleviation, sustainable livelihoods, social stability, housing security, rural development and socio-economic growth.
The reference document of the European Commission mentions that member states have the right to set restrictions based on clearly defined goals, which should serve to preserve the viability of farms in a particular country, prevent speculation with excessive prices, promote and develop sustainable and efficient agriculture.
The speaker spoke at length about how agricultural land is given to foreigners according to constitutions, determination of land status and regulations on uncultivated agricultural land in EU countries.
The speakers were addressed with questions and then expressed their opinion on the issues discussed in the report by the vice-president of the Academy, Acad. Givi Japaridze, Acad. T. Kurashvili, Prof. M. Kereselidze, Acad. J. Gugushvili.
Speakers emphasized the great importance of the issue in the direction of the further rise and development of Georgian agriculture and expressed the desire to continue fruitful cooperation between the Committee on Agrarian Issues of the Parliament of Georgia and the Academy of Agricultural Sciences of Georgia in the mentioned format.
The work of the Scientific Council of the Academy was summarized by the Deputy Chairman of the Council, Acad. Jemal Gugushvili.

Academy of Agricultural Sciences of Georgia
Presidium session

On June 24, 2022, a session of the Presidium of the Academy of Agricultural Sciences of Georgia was held with the following agenda:

1. Information f. About the scientific-research work of Gulisashvili Forestry Institute.
Speaker: V. Giorgi Kavtaradze, Director of Gulisashvili Forestry Institute, Doctor of Forestry.
2. Agricultural engineering educational programs (bachelor's, master's, doctoral).
Review and correction taking into account modern technologies and technical means of the field.
Speakers: Academician Elguja Shafakidze, Head of the Academic Department of the Academy, and Doctor of Technical Sciences, Professor, Dimitri Natroshvili.
Information about academician Zaur Chankselian's scientific activities in 2021
Information about academician Zaur Chankselian's scientific activities in 2021
4. Current issues.

Seminar -
Combating desertification and drought World Day

On June 17 of this year in the conference hall of the Academy of Agricultural Sciences of Georgia, a seminar was held on the theme: "The road to dry land farming" in connection with the World Day of Combating Desertification and Drought, organized by the Department of Agronomy Sciences of the Academy.

The seminar was attended by the members of the Department of Agronomy Sciences: Academician Nodar Chkhartishvili, Academician Nugzar Baghaturia, Academician Zaur Chankselian, Deputy President of the Academy, Coordinator of Scientific Departments, Academician Anatoli Giorgadze, learned Secretaries of the Scientific Departments of the Academy: Dr. of Agriculture Marine Barvenashvili and leading specialists of the Academy, Lasha Dolidze, Larisa Chaika and Ketevan Chipashvili.
After a short greeting, Acad. Anatoli Giorgadze gave a speech to the learned secretary of the scientific departments, Dr. Marine Barvenashvili, who presented the audience with a presentation prepared by academician Gogola Margvelashvili, the secretary of the department of agronomic sciences, in connection with the World Day of Combating Desertification and Drought.
The presentation presented deserts and semi-deserts in the world as well as in Georgia, their place and importance, the world of plants and animals present here. It was noted that during the last 30 years, cultivated areas have decreased catastrophically. The problem of soil degradation has been discussed.

The work of the seminar was summarized by the learned secretary of scientific departments, Doctor of Agriculture Marine Barvenashvili. She thanked the attending public for coming and actively participating in the work of the seminar.

The title of Honorary Citizen of Batumi awarded to Academician Rezo Jabnidze
According to order Mayor of Batumi Municipality # 142216163, dated June 10, 2022, Academician Rezo Jabnidze of the Academy of Agricultural Sciences of Georgia was awarded the honorary title of Batumeli for his special contribution to scientific, pedagogical and public activities.

The Academy of Agricultural Sciences of Georgia congratulates Academician Rezo Jabnidze on the honorary title and wishes him good health and many successes in his scientific, pedagogical and public activities.

Meeting of the Agricultural Innovations Commission of the Georgian Academy of Agricultural Sciences
On June 22, 2022, the meeting of the Agricultural Innovations Commission of the Georgian Academy of Agricultural Sciences was held (chairman A. Didebulidze). Giorgi Misheladze, Chairman of the National Agency for Sustainable Land Management and Land Use Monitoring, attended the session together with other members of the commission.
Giorgi Micheladze spoke about the current situation in the direction of pastures in Georgia and emphasized that the most problematic issue, the solution of which is on the agenda, is land fragmentation and their disposal without legal regulation.

"Massively unregistered agricultural plots of pasture land or registered without category is the main problem" - said the chairman of the agency and spoke in detail about the "State program for access to state-owned pastures".
After going through the procedures stipulated by the program, approval was received for leasing 234 pastures across Georgia. The total area of the mentioned pastures is 30,153 hectares. As of June 21, 2022, 156 applications have been made to participate in the program, with a total of 11,670 ha of pastures being expressed. The mentioned pastures include 5 regions of Eastern Georgia. Information about leased pastures is posted on the websites www.land.gov.ge and www.mepa.gov.ge.

Outgoing Session

Outgoing session of the Presidium of the Academy of Agricultural Sciences of Georgia
June 22, 2022,
The outgoing session of the Presidium of the Academy of Agricultural Sciences of Georgia was held at the Agricultural Scientific Research Center of the Ministry of Environment and Agriculture of Georgia. In addition to the members of the Presidium of the Academy, the members of the Scientific Council of the Scientific Research Center and leading specialists and the Deputy Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia Yuri Nozadze attended the meeting. The session was opened by the Chairman of the Presidium of the Academy, the President of the Academy, Acad. Guram Aleksidze, who noted that the foundation is laid for the new and very important activity of the Presidium of the Academy, which is related to the deepening of the close connection with the scientific and research organizations of the country's agriculture. In this direction, it is important to hold the session in the scientific-research center, whose director Prof. Levan Ujmajuridze is also a member of the presidium of the Academy. It was also noted that the 2021 activity reports presented by the Center's scientific and research services were reviewed by members of the Academy. On the first issue of the agenda of the Presidium session, the Director of the Agricultural Scientific Research Center of the A(A)IP, Prof. Levan Ujmajuridze and the deputy director in the scientific field, Dr. Nodar Khatiashvili presented the reports. The speakers spoke in detail about the activities of the center's scientific and 

research services, the extensive and important research they conducted, the results and their implementation in production, and the future prospects of the research activity. Speakers answered numerous questions and in some cases made extensive comments. The activities of the scientific research center were evaluated by academicians N. Chitanava, G. Margvelshvili, Z. Tskitishvili, vice-president of the Academy, Acad. c. Japaridze and the president of the Academy Acad. c. Aleksidze. The speakers noted that holding the sessions of the Presidium of the Academy in the mentioned form is welcome, since many questions were answered not only by the Center's leadership, but also by the members of the Center's Council and the leading scientific workers of the services. The opinion was expressed that it is appropriate to sign a memorandum of cooperation between the Academy of Agricultural Sciences of Georgia and the Agricultural Scientific Research Center of the Ministry of Environment and Agriculture of Georgia, where all the obligations and forms of cooperation between these two organizations are clearly reflected.

Congratulations

Congratulations of the Academy of Agricultural Sciences of Georgia

President of the Georgian Academy of Agricultural Sciences and the Union of European Academies of Agriculture, Food and Nature,
Academician Guram Aleksidze was elected as a foreign member of the Latvian Academy of Rural and Forestry Sciences on June 3, 2022.

The Academy of Agricultural Sciences of Georgia congratulates Mr. Guram on the honorary title and wishes him many successes in his scientific, pedagogical and public activities.

 

President of the Academy Acad. Guram Aleksidze visited Ajara

 On June 3-9, 2022, the president of the Academy of Agricultural Sciences of Georgia, Academician Guram Aleksidze was on a business visit to the Autonomous Republic of Adjara. During the visit, Acad. Aleksidze met the Minister of Agriculture of the Autonomous Republic of Adjara, Mr. Zaza Shavadze. The minister introduced the president of the academy to the priority directions and future visions of the development of Ajara Region. The meeting also discussed the involvement of science in the programs of the ministry and the issues of mutual cooperation in the future.

 

As the president of the academy, Guram Aleksidze, pointed out, the development of agriculture needs such an approach, which was the vision presented by the new minister of agriculture of Adjara at the meeting. The meeting was attended by deputy minister Irma Abkhazava and adviser Mamuka Turmanidze.
During the visit to Adjara, the president of the Academy, Acad. G. Aleksidze met the lecturers and students of Shota Rustaveli State University's agricultural department, attended practical field training and gave a lecture on the modern state of integrated plant protection. At the meeting, the advisor to the Minister of Agriculture of Adjara, Mr. Mamuka Turmanidze, assisted the President of the Academy.

Acad. G. Aleksidze with the students of Batumi Sh. Rustaveli University

 

Meeting of Agro- innovations Commission
On June 8, 2022, a commission meeting was held, at which Bidzina Imnadze, regional representative of the company (South Caucasus and Central Asia), presented a report: "The importance of vegetable crops from the point of view of the Dutch company Rijk Zwaan".
The speaker pointed out that Raik Zwaan has already played a role in almost all of our lives - chances are that some of the vegetables we eat are from the company's range, especially cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers, spinach and lettuce. These are the cultures in which Rijk Zwaan is the undisputed global market leader. However, consumption of vegetables is an integral part of a healthy and diverse diet. In European countries, the consumption of vegetables per capita reaches even 300 kilograms annually (in neighboring Turkey - 230, in Ukraine - 171, in Russia - 103 kg), and in Georgia this figure was only 57 kg in 2020 and compared to 2013, unfortunately, it has decreased by about 15%.
The company supplies seed material to the global market, taking into account a wide range of different circumstances and needs, and thus stands at the beginning of the vegetable production chain, selecting new species and varieties, always considering the entire supply chain. Market requirements are constantly changing. As a result, vegetable varieties and innovative agrotechnologies of their cultivation are offered. In both the development and commercial distribution of new varieties, optimal linkage to a specific production region and/or consumer market is critical. The research makes the company's work more focused and efficient with biochemical research on substances that affect taste, color and texture, and the use of genetic markers means we can select for these traits with high precision. But the properties of the varieties can actually be evaluated only in practice, so selective trials are conducted in different facilities, in different soil and climatic conditions, in many parts of the world.
The company cooperates intensively with Wageningen University and other research organizations, including sometimes even with competitors. The annual investment in research and development is up to 30% of the annual turnover, which reaches 160 million euros, and 40% of the workforce is involved in research and trials.
Academicians Elguja Shafakidze and Aleksandre Didebulidze, Academy expert Gocha Tsofurashvili, professors Omar Tedoradze, Otar Karchava, Mzago Lobjanidze, scholarship holder of the Academy Ekaterina Katsitadze, head of the Vegetable and Horticulture Development Service of the Agricultural Research Center Giorgi Badriashvili took part in the discussion after the report. and Niko Karsimashvili, representative of the Ministry of Infrastructure, who emphasized the relevance and informativeness of the presented material.
It was noted that the Academy of Agricultural Sciences of Georgia will closely monitor the activities of Bidzina Imnadze, the regional representative of Rijk Zwaan (South Caucasus and Central Asia) and considers it appropriate to hear the results and recommendations of the regional representative's activities in 2022 at the end of the year.

 

Open Door day in the Company of Lomtagora

 On June 10, 2022, an open day was held at Lomtagora. Every year, the company organizes an open door day, in which governmental, scientific, educational organizations, farmers and others take part.
The purpose of organizing the demonstration day is to introduce and evaluate the obtained results.
From the Academy of Agricultural Sciences of Georgia, the president of the Academy, Acad. Guram Aleksidze and the head of the academic department, Acad. Elguja Shafakidze took part in the event.
The general director of "Lomtagora" company, Dr. Kakha Lashkhi made a presentation. The speaker provided information about the activities of "Firma Lomtagora" to the audience. It was noted that "Firma Lomtagora" covers a land area of 500 ha, located in the Kvemo Kartli region at an altitude of 430 meters above sea level. The company is a multi-disciplinary agricultural enterprise, the main direction of its activity is the selection-sowing of wheat and corn and the production of field crops. The company attaches great importance to cooperation with agricultural research centers and production testing of their achievements. "Firma Lomtagora" has a close cooperation with the International Center for Maize and Wheat Improvement - CIMMYT, as well as with the International Center for Agricultural Research and Development of Dry Regions - ICARDA. Through cooperation with international organizations and scientific-educational institutions, the company has achieved great success both in the breeding of new varieties and in the introduction of advanced agro-technology. "Lomtagora" has already created and registered high-yielding and disease-resistant varieties of corn and wheat, which are sown in different agro-climatic zones of Georgia.

Today, it can be said that "Lomtagora" is one of the specialized enterprises in the field of seed-growing in the country, which is increasingly expands its field of activity. The company devotes an important place to the preservation of local varieties of wheat and corn.

Within the framework of cheap credit, the enterprise introduced and completed "TUDORS" grain storage equipped with modern technologies.
Construction and installation of a facility where 2000 tons of grain can be stored at the same time.
Another innovation that "Firma Lomtagora" offers to farmers is wheat seeds processed with the latest German technologies. The wheat and other grain crops processing enterprise, which was recently launched with the help of the USAID program in Lomtagora, carries out grain cleaning and sorting in accordance with European technologies.
It was also mentioned that high-yielding varieties of wheat have been adopted by Georgian breeders in "Firma Lomtagora", such as: variety "Lomtagora 126" - yield 8-10 t/ha; The yield of the variety "Lomtagora 143" is 6.5 t/ha. The yield of the variety "Lomtagora 149" is 5.0-5.5 t/ha. "Gorda 16" variety - yield 6.5-7.5 t/ha, etc.
Giorgi Khanishvili, First Deputy Minister of Environment Protection and Agriculture of Georgia, President of the Academy of Agricultural Sciences of Georgia Acad. Guram Aleksidze, Iveri Akhalbedashvili, head of the Agrarian Affairs Committee of the Parliament of Georgia, entrepreneur Roman Rurua, academician of Sakartvelo National Academy of Sciences Ramaz Ghakhokidze.
The participants of the demonstration day visited the trial plots of "Firma Lomtagora", got acquainted with different varieties of grain crops, where the general director of the company Kakha Lashkhi gave an explanation on each demonstration variety.

World Environment Day

  On June 6 of this year, in the conference hall of the Academy of Agricultural Sciences of Georgia, organized by the Department of Environmental Protection and Forestry Sciences of the Academy, a round table dedicated to the World Environment Day was held on the topic: "About the use of wood energy resources in Georgia and recommendations for increasing its effectiveness". Members of the Department of Business Sciences: Vice-President of the Academy, Academician Givi Japaridze, Deputy President of the Academy, Coordinator of Scientific Departments, Academician Anatoli Giorgadze, Learned Secretaries of the Scientific Departments of the Academy, Academician Lasha Dolidze and Doctor of Agriculture Marine Barvenashvili, Scholars of the Academy: Doctor of Forestry Giorgi Kavtaradze and Doctor of Agriculture Zviad Tiginashvili, leading specialists of the Academy: Larisa Chaika and Ketevan Chipashvili, also invited guests: Doctors of Agriculture: Nato Kobakhidze, Archi L. Supatashvili, Irine Chargeishvili, Doctor of Biology Medea Burjanadze, Associate Professor of Akhaltsikhe State University, Doctor of Economics Lasha Chiburdanidze, Sh. Bagrat Razmadze, representative of Rustaveli National Science Foundation of Georgia.
Academician Lasha Dolidze, a member of the Department of Environmental Protection and Forestry Sciences of the Academy of Agricultural Sciences of Georgia, learned secretary of the scientific departments of the Academy, opened the round table and addressed the audience with a welcome speech. After a short greeting, academician L. Dolidze gave a speech to the scholar of the Academy, V. To Giorgi Kavtaradze, director of the Gulisashvili Forestry Institute, Doctor of Forestry, who made a wide report on the presented topic. The share and importance of the use of wood energy resources in the economy of both the world and Georgia was noted. Attention was focused on the current situation in Georgia in this direction, the potential of using wood energy resources, etc. It was emphasized that the dependence of the population of Georgia on wood fuel resources is still high; Its consumption rate significantly exceeds the resource potential of Georgian forests; The chain of organized production of greenhouse timber and supply of the resource to the population is unsustainable and imperfect; modern woody biofuel production practices are not introduced and developed; due to the absence of modern woody biofuel production, no additional value is created in the current chain of greenhouse woody resource extraction; alternative sources of fuel wood are not developed; Energy-efficient biofuel technologies have not been implemented.

Academician Givi Japaridze, vice-president of the Academy, expressed his opinion about the report. He focused on the relevance and importance of the topic. He noted that the forests of Georgia are of special importance for the country. They have no industrial purpose. Therefore, each measure implemented in relation to forests should be thoroughly understood and evaluated.
Academician Lasha Dolidze, a member of the Department of Sciences of Protection and Forestry, summarized the work of the round table. He thanked the speaker and the audience for coming and actively participating in the work of the round table.
He noted that a number of events were organized by the department, among which seminars and round tables dedicated to the World Environment Day have a special place.

A Project Discussion
Today, it is necessary for the soil to be fertile, healthy and cared for. The way to "dry farming" was the main motto
By the order of the President of the Academy of Agricultural Sciences of Georgia on April 15, 2022, the study commission for the implementation of the NO-till technology and the scientific assurance of the experiment was created in the farms, which is headed by the academician Guram Aleksidze. The commission was tasked to prepare proposals and recommendations on the prospects for the use of these technologies.
We publish the project of academician Gogola Margvelashvili, a member of the commission, "The road to dry farming".
We ask those who wish to express their opinions regarding the prospects of introducing the mentioned technologies in Georgia.

International scientific conference organized by UEAA and GAAS

  On May 27-28, 2022, an international scientific conference was held at the Academy of Agricultural Sciences of Georgia on the topic: "Agricultural mechanization and technologies in Europe and perspectives". The organizers of the conference are the Union of European Academies for Science applied to Agriculture, Food and Nature ((UEAA) and the Georgian Academy of Agricultural Sciences (GAAS).
Academician Guram Aleksidze, the President of the Georgian Academy of Agricultural Sciences and the President of the UEAA, was the chairman of the conference organizing committee and its leader.

Academician Guram Aleksidze opened the conference and welcomed the audience, who noted the state of modern resource-saving technologies and technical means of growing annual and perennial crops in Europe and Georgia, briefly reviewed the current state and prospects of agricultural mechanization in Europe and Georgia, and set the tasks to be fulfilled It is necessary to achive success in this direction in Georgia.

The following persons welcomed the Conference participants and wished success: President of the National Academy of Sciences of Georgia - Acad. Giorgi Kvesitadze, President of Latvian Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences Dr. Prof. Baiba Rivza, First Deputy Minister of Environment Protection and Agriculture of Georgia Giorgi Khanishvili (via online), Michel Thibier, Academician of the French Academy of Agricultural Sciences (via online from Paris), Dr. Ivery Akhalbedashvili. On behalf of the Patriarchate of Georgia, Mr. Bakur Gulua welcomed and wished success to the participants of the conference, and also talked about the importance of the conference and the prospects for the development of agricultural mechanization and wished success to the conference and its participants. The speech was made by Omar Katcharava and the Director of the Agricultural Scientific Research Center of Georgia Prof. Levan Ujmajuridze.
Together with Georgian scientists, the scholars and specialists from six countries of the European Union - France, Latvia, Sweden, Ukraine, Hungary and the Czech Republic - took an active part in the international scientific conference, which is a very important fact.  
The scientific papers were presented by: President of the Academy Acad. Guram Aleksidze, President of the Latvian Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Dr. Prof. Baiba Rivzam; Academician of the French Academy of Agricultural Sciences Michel Thibier, Vice President of the National Academy of Agrarian Sciences of Ukraine, Acad. Yuri Lupenko, Professor of the French Academy of Agricultural Sciences, René Autelit, President of the Swedish Royal Academy of Agriculture and Forestry, Dr. Catherine Nieblaus and Associate Professor Per Frankelius, Hungarian Academy of Sciences Prof. B. Ambrus, Academician-Secretary of the Scientific Department of Agricultural Engineering Sciences of the Georgian Academy of Agricultural Sciences Acad. Revaz Makharoblidze.

Academician Aleksandre Didebulidze, Prof. Nugzar Ebanoidze, Prof. Gela Javakhishvili, Ph.D. Giorgi Kutelia, Ph.D. Zaza Makharoblidze, Acad. Zaur Putkaradze, Prof. Roman Margalitadze, Acad. E. Shafakidze, Prof. Omar Tedoradze, Ph.D. T. Nadirashvili and Dr. O. Tsartsidze dealt with the present problems of mechanization of Georgian agriculture and its prospects.
In total, 26 reports of 44 scientists in the field of agricultural mechanization were presented at the conference, including 8 reports of 11 scientists from EU countries. The abstracts and texts of the mentioned reports will be published in the Proceedings of the International Scientific Conference, the electronic version of which will be sent to the authors of the articles by May 10, and the hard copies by May 20.

It is worth noting that the speakers at the conference pointed out that it is necessary to put modern soil cultivation technologies on the agenda today, in the 21st century. With the introduction of resource-saving technologies, the physical and mechanical properties of the soil are improved, their fertility increases, and wind and water erosion processes are significantly reduced. This means that the transition of the field of agricultural mechanization to the implementation of modern resource-saving technologies must take into account the experience of European countries in the direction of robotics, global positioning systems and modern complex management measures. The participants of the conference also noted the alarming situation created in Georgia for the training of agro-engineering and agricultural mechanization personnel.
The list of measures and proposals for the development and improvement of the field of agricultural mechanization at the international conference will be outlined in the relevant declaration, the preparation of which is assigned to the scientific leadership of the conference. See the declaration at the link
It should also be noted that during the course of the conference, a memorandum of cooperation was signed between the Academy of Agricultural Sciences of Georgia and the Academies of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences of Latvia. The memorandum was signed by the president of the Academy of Agricultural Sciences of Georgia, Acad. Guram Aleksidze and the President of the Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences of Latvia Dr. Prof. Baiba Rivza.
Despite the fact that the Conference did not become a winner of the Shota Rustaveli National Science Foundation, the conference was held at a high organizational level, in which great merit was given to the Department of Agricultural Engineering Sciences of the Academy, academic and administrative departments and the technical staff of the Academy. For the conference, appropriate thematic banners and visible material were made with the funds of the Academy, conference programs were printed in English and Georgian languages, the speeches of scientists from European countries were carried out online with the "Zoom" program, the translation of English language texts into Georgian was also at an appropriate level, which was performed by the employees of the Academy and by the translator.

Department meeting of Environmental Protection of the Academy of Agricultural Sciences of Georgia and a session of the Department of Forestry Sciences
On May 23, 2022, a meeting of the Department of Environmental Protection and Forestry Sciences was held with the following agenda:
1. About preliminary results of national forest registration and forest information and monitoring system;
Speaker: Lasha Dzadzamia - Adviser of a German company in forestry policy issues;
Co-speakers: Paata Torchinava - Forestry Expert of the Forestry Policy Division; Shalva Nozadze - Forestry Specialist of the Forestry Policy Division;
Beka Koberidze - Adviser of the German company in the issues of forest control and supervision (see the report on the link).
2. Current issues
Session of the Department of Economic Sciences of the Georgian Academy of Agricultural Sciences
On May 25, 2022, a session of the Department of Economic Sciences was held with the following agenda:
1. Report on the scientific-research, pedagogical and public activities of Nato Jabnidze, a scholarship holder of the Georgian Academy of Agricultural Sciences, conducted in 2021-2022.
(See the report of Nato Jabnidze, a scholar of the Academy, on the link).
2. Current issues.

A seminar dedicated to the International Bee Day

On May 20 of this year, a seminar dedicated to the International Bee Day was held in the conference hall of the Academy of Agricultural Sciences of Georgia, organized by the Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Sciences of the Academy, on the topic: "Modern beekeeping trends in Georgia".
The seminar was attended by members of the Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Sciences: academician-secretary of the department, academician Jemal Gugushvili, academician Tengiz Kurashvili, Deputy President of the Academy, coordinator of scientific departments, Academician Anatoli Giorgadze, learned secretaries of the scientific departments of the Academy: Doctor of Agriculture Marine Barvenashvili and Academician Lasha Dolidze Leading specialists of the Academy: Larisa Chaika and Ketevan Chipashvili, as well as invited guests: President of the Union of Beekeepers Ramaz Tavartkiladze, Doctor of Agricultural Sciences, Professor Gogi Madzgharashvili, National Coordinator of the Academy, Doctor of Agriculture Maya Peikrishvili, Doctors of Agriculture: Tengiz Firtskhalaishvili and Jemal Sadaghishvili, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Doctor of Sciences, Professor Maya Kereselidze, veterinary doctors: Nino Kipiani, Irakli Tatrishvili and Aleksandre Kurashvili, Dr. Aghmashenebeli University Professor Alexi Noniadze, practitioner-beekeeper Iotanamishvili.
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Academician Jemal Gugushvili, Secretary of the Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Sciences of the Academy of Agricultural Sciences of Georgia, opened the seminar and addressed the audience with a welcome speech. After the greeting, Academician J. Gugushvili spoke about the importance of the bee in human life, the goodness of the products it provides and in general about it as a useful insect whose role in increasing the yield of plants is invaluable. Later, the speech was given to the President of the Union of Beekeepers, Mr. Ramaz Tavartkiladze, who congratulated the audience on the International Day of Bees, introduced the current state of Georgian beekeeping and future plans. It was mentioned that today Georgia is among the world member countries of Apimondia (World Federation of Beekeepers' Associations), which is a step forward for the industry.

At the seminar, the following speakers were presented: Doctor of Agricultural Sciences, Professor Gogi Madzgharashvili, who made a report on the topic: "The state of creation of innovative technologies and their use in beekeeping practice"; Veterinary doctor Nino Kipiani's report was on the topic: "Modern approaches in beekeeping - treatment and disinfection"; Beekeeper-practitioner Giorgi Yonatamishvili told the listeners about his apiary ("Iona's apiary") and his activities. Each report was about modern approaches in beekeeping, new visions of solving problems. All of these received the special attention and approval of the listeners. A lot of questions were asked around all three topics and a discussion was held, in which every participant of the seminar actively participated.
The work of the seminar was summarized by the academician-secretary of the Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Sciences, Academician Jemal Gugushvili. He thanked the speakers and the attending public for coming and participating in the work of the seminar. He noted that the department organized a seminar dedicated to the International Day of Bees on other occasions, however, this year's seminar was special, because the participants of the seminar had the opportunity to listen simultaneously to beekeeper-scientists and beekeeper practitioners, which best demonstrates the importance of cooperation between these two segments for the further development of the field.

Academy of Agricultural Sciences of Georgia
Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Sciences
On May 20, 2022, a session of the scientific department was held with the following agenda:

1. About modern trends in beekeeping as a contributing factor to the development of Georgian mountain villages;
Speaker: Dr. of Agriculture Maya Peikrishvili
2. Current issues.

The Academy of Agricultural Sciences of Georgia continues the cycle of interesting articles and offers Acad. Paata Koghuashvili and expert Davit Zardiashvili's article, in which the present situation of the village and its future prospects will be discussed.

It is mentioned in the article that the rural community should definitely regain the unconditional and irrevocable communal land - pasture, mowing, water fund land, forest fund land (and not only!) must be legally returned to the community in permanent and free ownership and use; This land should not belong to the state, but to the municipality, and the community, which is one of its legitimate owners and beneficiaries, should be deprived of this land without question, i.e. Fair and effective management of the rural estate - its disposal, rational use, the organization of agricultural production or other economic activities on the rural territory using land as the main means of production, with the final report :
The protection of the rural estate and its development after the survival of the village - Taking care of the base.
(by academician P. Koghuashvili and municipal law expert).

Article by the Academy's National Coordinator about land
The sectoral national coordinators of the Academy of Agricultural Sciences of Georgia are actively involved and they express their opinions in other scientific-practical events.
We offer the national coordinator of the land use direction of the Academy, economic
Doctor of Sciences, professor, certified expert in real estate-land issues,
Anzor Meskhisvili's article "An open letter to those who are in favor of land sales".
Today, when the problem of food shortage is becoming more and more acute due to the increase in the population of the earth and food safety issues deserve special attention, it is very important to pay more attention to care and maintenance of agricultural land.
Presidium Session of Georgian Academy of Agricultural Sciences
held on April 29, 2022
Agenda:
1. About the 2021 year activity of the academic journal "Moambi" of the Academy.
Speakers: Academician Guram Aleksidze, the chief editor of the Academy's scientific journal "Moambi", the President of the Academy; responsible secretary of the "Moambi" scientific journal, Academician Omar Keshelashvili.
2. About the 2021 activities of the Academy's newsletter "Academy Messenger".
Speakers: the editor of the Academy's information-advertisement bulletin "Academy Matsne", the vice-president of the Academy, academician Givi Japaridze; Deputy Editor of "Matsne" newspaper, deputy president of the Academy, academician Anatoli Giorgadze.
3. About the status and future plans of the recommendations, agro-rules, instructions, booklets, brochures and other printed and electronic scientific-informational publications issued by the Academy in 2021;
Speakers: Vice-President of the Academy, Academician Givi Japaridze; Academician-Secretary of the Academy, Head of the Academic Department of the Academy, and Academician Elguja Shafakidze.
4. Information on preparations for the international scientific conference "Mechanization and technologies of agriculture in Europe and prospects".
Speaker: Academician Revaz Makharoblidze.
5. Information about the use of the "NO-TILL" system of soil cultivation technology in Georgia.
Speaker: Academician Nodar Chitanava.
6. About the state of bakery products production in Georgia and measures to improve it.
Speaker: Head of the Agricultural Engineering Department of the Technical University of Georgia, Doctor of Technical Sciences, Professor Malkhaz Dolidze.
7. On the approval of the constitution, composition and acting chairman of the Council of Young Scientists at the Prasidium of the Academy of Agricultural Sciences of Georgia.
Speaker: Vice-President of the Academy, Acad. c. Japaridze.
8. Current issues.
Scientific Article

The history of wheat distribution in Georgia: past, present and future

The Academy of Agricultural Sciences of Georgia continues the cycle of articles on the origin of wheat, its varieties and their care, and notes the special place of this culture in the agriculture of the world, including Georgia. This is especially important today in times of pandemics and hostilities between countries, when food security is of utmost importance to all mankind.
History has confirmed that wheat culture had a special place in Georgia's independence. Georgian people created wheat species adapted to different local conditions, which was a means of obtaining a guaranteed harvest. That is why the population of Georgia has created such a biodiversity of wheat that is unique in the whole world. Georgian endemic species are characterized by unique features, which is why they are considered the best genetic source in the world selection.
The historical experience of the Georgian people in wheat production is one of the oldest in the world. At the end of the 19th century, Georgia was still exporting wheat abroad. The Georgian people selected them in a natural genetic laboratory and bequeathed "Golden Bars" to the modern world.
Since the 40s of the last century, the area of wheat has been reduced under the pretext that wheat is less profitable. The Soviet government shifted Georgia to four main cash crops: vines, tea, fruit and citrus. The distribution area of wheat decreased and remained only in Kakheti, Kartli and a small part of Meskheti-Javakheti. This led to a breakdown in the coordination of industries, this tendency unfortunately continues today.
The yield of wheat in Georgia has recently been characterized by an uneven, but more or less growing trend, and in 2015-2016, the highest rate of the last decade was recorded - 2.6 tons per hectare. Despite this, the yield per hectare of wheat in the country is lower than in the rest of the world — according to the data of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), since 2011, the average yield of wheat in the world has been steadily higher than 3 t/ha.
Taking into account the mentioned issues and peculiarities in the regions of Western Georgia will make it possible to return to the production of wheat culture, to utilize the abandoned areas and to stabilize the grain supply of the country.
The problems mentioned above and the prospects of wheat production in West Georgia, which is the main center of origin of wheat culture in Georgia, namely Kolkheti plain and Racha-Lechkhumi, are addressed by Prof. c. Samadashvili's article (Prof. Ts. Samadashvili's article is offered at the link.

International Veterinarian Day

On April 27 of this year, a conference dedicated to the International Day of the Veterinary Doctor was held in the conference hall of the Academy of Agricultural Sciences of Georgia under the organization of the Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Sciences of the Academy on the topic: "Modern Challenges of Zoo-Veterinary Science". The conference was attended by the members of the Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Sciences: Academician-Secretary of the Department, Academician Jemal Gugushvili, Academician Tengiz Kurashvili, Deputy President of the Academy, Coordinator of Scientific Departments, Academician Anatoli Giorgadze, Head of the Academic Department, Academician-Secretary of the Academy Elguja Shafakidze, Scientific Department of the Academy : Dr. Marine Barvenashvili and Academician Lasha Dolidze, leading specialist of the Academy Ketevan Chipashvili and invited guests: Deputy Head of the National Food Agency of the Ministry of Environment and Agriculture of Georgia, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Vasil Basiladze, Head of the National Food Agency, Doctor of Veterinary Sciences Demna Khelaia and His deputies: Doctor of Veterinary Sciences Davit Goderdzishvili and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Ioseb Menteshashvili, President of the United Association of Veterinary Doctors of Georgia Lali Vashakidze, Governor of Samtskhe-Javakheti University Professor, Doctor of Veterinary Sciences Levan Makaradze, Director of "Biotex" LLC Nikoloz Zazashvili, Director of "Roki" LLC Davit Bostashvili, Deputy Chairman of the Association of Agroexperts Mikheil Chichakua, Leading Specialist of "Biotex" LLC Marina Chikaidze, National Academy Coordinator, Dr. of Agriculture Maya Feikrishvili, Professor of Agrarian University, Dr. of Agriculture Naira Mamukelashvili and veterinary doctors:Irakli Tatarashvili, and Aleksandre Kurashvili. 

Academician Jemal Gugushvili, secretary of the Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Sciences of the Academy of Agricultural Sciences of Georgia, opened the conference and addressed the audience with a welcome speech. After the greeting, academician J. Gugushvili spoke about the role of veterinary medicine in ensuring the health of animals and in this regard increasing the production of high-quality livestock products in the country. He also touched on the existing situation and problems of veterinary medicine, the solution of which will significantly improve the level of veterinary welfare in the country. Then the speech was given to academician Tengiz Kurashvili, who continued the work of the conference.
The deputy head of the National Food Agency of the Ministry of Environment and Agriculture of Georgia, Dr. Vasil Basiladze, addressed the conference participants and thanked the conference organizers for the invitation. In his speech, he noted that the International Veterinary Day, which is held every year on the last Saturday of April, was established by the World Veterinary Association (WVA) in 2000. Its purpose is to promote the contribution of the veterinarian to the world in the direction of improving the health and welfare of animals and maintaining the health of the population. The speaker also noted that the profession of veterinary doctor was always considered among the respected professions. Today, veterinary doctors work in veterinary clinics, agricultural enterprises, zoos, in short, wherever animals need medical care. V. Basiladze told the participants of the conference once again the well-known phrase that "medicine heals a person, and veterinary medicine heals humanity."
The following presented reports at the conference: veterinarian Dr. Aleksandre Kurashvili, whose report was on the topic: "Risk assessment and epizootic trials in veterinary health care"; Doctor of Veterinary Sciences, Professor Levan Makaradze made a report on the topic: "Innovative teaching-learning methods and their importance"; The topic of Dr. of Agriculture Maya Peikrishvili's report was: "Treatment with bee colonies (apitherapy)", and Academician Tengiz Kurashvili presented a report on the topic: "Regional distribution of some diseases in the dog population in Georgia". Each report received great interest and approval from the listeners. Many questions were asked about the topics, to which the speakers gave competent answers.
The work of the conference was summarized by the Academician-Secretary of the Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Sciences, Academician Jemal Gugushvili. He thanked the speakers and the attending public for coming and noted that such conferences will help bring forward the problematic issues in the field and find rational ways to solve them.

Department Meeting
Department of Agrarian Sciences of the Academy of Agricultural Sciences of Georgia

On April 21, 2022, the meeting of the scientific department was held as follows
On the agenda:
Information about the scientific-research conducted by the Institute of Food Industry of the Technical University of Georgia in 2021
About work results and 2022 tasks.
Speaker: Director of the Institute of Food Industry, Academician Nugzar Bagaturia;
Current issues

Department of Agrarian Sciences of the Academy of Agricultural Sciences of Georgia

On April 21, 2022, the meeting of the scientific department was held as follows
On the agenda:
1. Academician Roland Kopaliani's report on scientific activities in 2021, and future plans;
2. About the development problems and prospects of the priority areas of subtropical agriculture in Georgia.
Speaker: Academician Roland Kopaliani;
3. Academician Rezo Jabnidze's report on scientific activities in 2021, and future plans.
4. Information about the current situation and development prospects of citrus crops in Adjara.
Speaker: Academician Rezo Jabnidze.
5. Current issues.

Session of the Agro-Innovation Commission
On April 20, 2022, a meeting of the commission was held, at which Dr. Medea Burjanadze (Vasil Gulisashvili Forestry Institute, Georgian Agrarian University) presented a report: "The impact of climate change on agricultural and forest pest diseases".
The speaker noted that climate change is a global environmental protection problem caused by: atmospheric pollution, temperature rise, negative effect of greenhouse gases, increase in carbon dioxide concentration in the air, exhaust gases, etc.
This contributes to the activation of fires, droughts, landslides, storms in the forests, the spread of pests and diseases caused by them; As a result, nature is damaged, the yield of agricultural crops decreases, which in turn negatively affects the country's food security.
Current undesirable processes affect populations of macro- and micro-organisms. Insects and pathogens have a faster response and adaptation capacity to climate change than their host plants because they are more physiologically sensitive. Secondary pests may hatch and transform into primary pests, which increases undesirable processes on a large scale. In the case of mass multiplication of pests and diseases, agricultural crops are damaged, forests dry up. The drying of trees and plants contributes to the occurrence of fires, as a result, carbon accumulates in large quantities in the atmosphere, which contributes to the further aggravation of environmental protection problems. There are seasonal changes, a decrease in atmospheric precipitation, which creates unfavorable conditions for green plants, negatively affects the health of the forest, vitality and biodiversity of the regions in general. Forest plants, green cover, pests and their natural enemies begin to move, change their original location, phenology and synchronicity are disrupted.
The plant ecosystem is a powerful mechanism of carbon dioxide absorption, its role is very important, therefore it is necessary to protect forests, green plants and vegetation from damage and the effects of harmful factors.
Academician Givi Japaridze, academician Nodar Chitanava, head of analytical division of the Ministry of Environment and Agriculture Nodar Khokhashvili, expert Gocha Tsofurashvili, Dr. Archil Supatashvili, academician Aleksandre Didebulidze took part in the discussion after the report, who emphasized the relevance and informativeness of the presented material.

Government Resolution
Resolution No. 442 of the Government of Georgia on August 29, 2018
" On approval of risk assessment, risk management and risk communication procedures in the framework of risk analysis.”

Ways to solve Georgia's food problems
The Academy of Agricultural Sciences of Georgia continues the discussion about measures to be taken to increase the volume of grain crops and wheat production in Georgia.
A presented article by Acad. Paata Koghuashvili, Prof. M. Dolidze and Dr. d. Galegashvili's article "We can produce more Georgian quality bread", well explaines that a country that has favorable biogeoclimatic conditions for increasing grain production. It has the skills and traditions of its cultivation, grain processing production capacities and the local market for the key products produced, therefore, it should not be absolutely dependent on the import of grain from other states (especially since the imported wheat is of poor quality and mostly fodder).
Changing the agrarian policy in the country and bringing it into line with global challenges should be considered as one of the main directions for solving the problem.

Department meeting
Department of Environmental Protection and Forestry Sciences
On April 19, 2022, the Environmental Protection and
Session of the Department of Forestry Sciences was held with the following agenda:

1. About Modern condition of Adjara forests and preventive measures
Speaker: Dr. Rezo Vasadze, University professor, Head of Pest and Disease Control Service of the Ajara State Forestry Agency, Department of Agriculture,
2. About forest types common in Georgia.
Speaker: Professor of Agrarian University, Doctor of Agriculture Nato Kobakhidze.
3. Also current issues were discussed.

Outstanding member of the Academy of Agricultural Sciences of Georgia
and commemoration of meritorious scientists

The Academy of Agricultural Sciences of Georgia, 65 years after its establishment, has traveled a long and interesting path. It is a self-governing scientific institution, with full autonomous rights and state funding, determining priority directions of agricultural sciences in the country, coordinator of scientific-research works, scientific advisor of the government in agrarian issues.
Georgian scientists and members of the Academy of Agricultural Sciences of Georgia have done great and successful work in different fields of agriculture, namely: breeding new breeds and hybrids of agricultural crops and animals; progressive, zonal technologies for the maintenance and cultivation of agricultural crops; soil cultivation, fertilization, care of crops and plants; seed science and seed rotation; Development of schemes, agrochemical cartograms, land cadastre, soil fertility maintenance and restoration systems development; development of integrated systems for combating pests of agricultural crops; creation of machine systems modified according to zonal conditions and advanced machine technologies; water resources use and management recommendations; Kolkheti plain Micro-regional system of drying and agricultural utilization with the processing line of progressive technologies intended for the production of new, competitive products of the food industry. The innovations introduced by the members, scientists of the Academy, laid the foundation for the formation of unified, scientifically based, complex technical-technological and economic-organizational zonal systems of agricultural promotion.
Prominent scientists who are not with us today made a great contribution to the success of the Academy of Agricultural Sciences of Georgia, but their achievements and merits will never be forgotten.
Today, we will once again remember outstanding and meritorious scientists and honor their memory.
Academician Paata Koghuashvili's article
Increasing grain production - It is an urgent state necessity!
Today, due to the complex and dangerous processes taking place in the world, the solution to the problem of food security is equivalent to maintaining the country's political and economic independence.
In this regard, it is worth noting the announcement of the FAO about the impending food crisis in 2022-2025 and that the era of cheap food is over on Earth.
On the basis of the mentioned statement, it is important that the provision of self-produced food should become the main task of the Georgian government, which can give a multiplier effect and save the village in the process of intensified migration.
In order to solve the problems raised in this direction, the article of Academician Paata Koghuashvili of the Georgian Academy of Agricultural Sciences "Increasing grain production is an urgent state necessity", which we offer to the users of the Academy's website, is interesting.

Meeting at the Academy dedicated to Ugro-innovations
On March 30, 2022, a commission session was held, at which Asmat Lali Meskhi, the founder and chairman of the board of the Georgian Wheat Producers' Union, presented a report: "The Importance and Opportunities of Sustainable Use of Georgian Wheat Endemic Species and Folk Varieties".

The speaker noted that Georgia is distinguished by the variety of grain crops, its territory is considered one of the homelands of wheat, barley, rye, millet, flax, and wheat is the bread of existence, leading among grain crops. No other country in the world can match Sakarvelo with the variety of types and forms of wheat. Georgian endemic types of wheat: Makha, Kolkhuri Asli, Zanduri and Dika are the best material for selection due to their strong immunity, ability to adapt to unfavorable environment and stable yield. It is worth noting the high nutritional value and best taste of endemic and folk varieties.
As Georgian endemic species and folk varieties of wheat are under threat of extinction, on the initiative of the Union of Wheat Producers, "Georgian Wheat Culture" has been submitted to UNESCO's list of intangible cultural heritage in need of urgent protection. One way to save these breeds is to feed them back to a healthy diet. It is important to distribute them and register them in Sakpatent of designation of origin.
The speaker noted that it is possible to make indigenous varieties of wheat profitable and sustainable, to produce high-quality seeds, grain, flour, bread, porridge, pasta. In the near future, Georgian wheat should find its place on the domestic and foreign markets as well as Georgian wine, because eGeorgia is a motherland of wine and bread.

 

Academician Givi Japaridze, Professor Tsotne Samadashvili, Advisor to the Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture Omar Katcharava, Entrepreneur-Beekeeper Teimuraz Ghogoberidze, Professor Alexi Noniadze, Academicians Nodar Chitanava and Aleksandre Didibulidze took part in the discussion after the report, who emphasized the topicality and informativeness of the presented material.
The meeting participants unanimously adopted resolution of the commission session will be submitted to the Presidium of the Academy of Agricultural Sciences of Georgia.

Information about technoparks

Today, technoparks probide assistance to those people, specialists in the field of agriculture: farmers, bachelors, masters, doctors, scientists of various fields, etc. who do not have technical means to implement their ideas, as well as for start-ups and small companies, offering such resources equipped with modern technology, which are difficult for them to access.
A technopark (scientific and technological park) is a type of free economic zone, which is focused on attracting new technologies and developing science-intensive production, and means of integration of education, science, production, business and the state sector, which is usually accompanied by a preferential system of taxes and taxation. Not only private enterprises or universities, but also governments are interested in creation of technoparks, since technoparks contribute to the economic growth of the country and the development of marginal regions.
Based on the above, it was considered appropriate for the users of our website, and not only, to provide some information about technoparks and their prospects in our country.

Academy of Agricultural Sciences of Georgia
Meeting of the Department of Agricultural Engineering Sciences
On March 23, 2022, a meeting of the scientific department of agroengineering was held with the following agenda:

1. Academician Shapakidze's report on the scientific activities carried out in 2021 and the about the future plans;
2. Increasing access to equipment for farmers and land users for the purpose of researching, and analyzing on the development of recommendations and targeted programs.
Speaker: Doctor of Technical Sciences Omar Tedoradze.


Academy of Agricultural Sciences of Georgia
Department of Environmental Protection and Forestry Sciences

March 21, 2022 session
On March 21, 2021, a Session of the Department of Environmental Protection and Forestry Sciences was held with the following agenda:
1. Academician Giorgi Gagoshidze's report on scientific activities in 2021and future plans;
2. Against the background of global climate change, the condition of Tbilisi backyard forests - About the main woody species and their distribution features.
Speakers: Vice-Resident of the Academy, Academician Givi Japaridze; Deputy Secretary of the Academy, Academician Giorgi Gagoshidze;
Giorgi Jincharadze, a doctoral candidate in the forestry department of the Faculty of Biosystems Engineering.

March 21 - International Forest Day
On March 21, 2022, a thematic session dedicated to the International Forest Day was held in the conference 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 members of the Scientific Department of Environmental Protection and Forestry: Vice-President of the Academy, Academician Givi Japaridze, Deputy Academician-Secretary of the Department, Academician Giorgi Gagoshidze, Learned Secretary of the Department, Academician Lasha Dolidze, Deputy President of the Academy, Coordinator of Scientific Departments, Academician Anatoli Giorgadze, Head of the academic department, academician Elguja Shafakidze, scholars of the department: V. Director of Gulisashvili Forestry Institute Giorgi Kavtaradze, Doctor of Forestry, Zviad Tiginashvili, Doctor of Agriculture, A. Supatashvili, the learned secretary of the scientific departments of the Academy, Ph.D. Dr. Marine Barvenashvili, the staff of the Academy and invited guests: Master of Agriculture Zviad Gotsiridze and Doctor of Geological Sciences, Professor Ivane Japaridze.
The session was opened by the vice-president of the Georgian Academy of Agricultural Sciences, academician Givi Japaridze. After a short greeting, he touched on the purpose of gathering the community present at the thematic session dedicated to the International Forest Day, discussing Levan Gotsiridze's monograph "Socio-economic, political and ecological situation in Borjomi valley in the past and existing problems of resort forests". Academician G. Japaridze remembered the meritorious forester-scientist, Mr. L. Gotsiridze's merit to the country and the nation. He drew special attention on Gotsiridze's initiative, Borjom-Kharagauli National Park and a protected area were created for the first time in the Caucasus according to European standards. In addition, academician G. Japaridze also noted that L. Gotsiridze made a great effort in the fight against the forest pest of the fir tree in the Borjomi Valley, in the restoration and renewal of damaged spruce forest ecosystems. Then he gave a speech to Mr. Levan Gotsiridze's son, master forester Zviad Gotsiridze, who thanked the Department of Environmental Protection and Forestry Sciences of the Georgian Academy of Agricultural Sciences for inviting and planning the above event. It was noted that the discussed monograph is a kind of guide for forestry specialists and nature lovers in general. At the end of the report, Mr. Z. Gotsiridze recalled episodes from his father's biography.

Academicians expressed their opinion regarding Gotsiridze's monograph: G. Gagoshidze, L. Dolidze, doctor of agriculture A. Supatashvili, who emphasized the importance of the work, especially for the young generation, who will find not only theoretical, but also many interesting practical tips in the mentioned monograph.

The session was summed up by the vice-president of the Academy, academician G. Japaridze, who thanked the speakers and the attending public for coming and noted that such meetings will help to discuss and resolve the current issues related to the forests of Georgia in the future.

Academy of Agricultural Sciences of Georgia
General Assembly

   On March 18, 2022, the general meeting of the Academy of Agricultural Sciences of Georgia was held with the following agenda:
1. About the scientific activities carried out by the Academy of Agricultural Sciences of Georgia in 2021 and the tasks of agricultural science in 2022, speakers: President of the Academy of Agricultural Sciences of Georgia, Acad. Guram Aleksidze; Vice-President of the Academy, Acad. Givi Japaridze.
2. Academy of Sciences. On the scientific activities carried out by the departments in 2021 and tasks for 2022, speakers: secretaries of academicians of the Academy, G. Margvelashvili, J. Gugushvili, R. Makharoblidze, Z. Tskitishvili, R. Chagelishvili, O. Keshelashvili.
3. The Adjara Academy of Agricultural Sciences of Georgia. Scientific coordination regarding the scientific activities carried out by the center in 2021 and the prospective work plan for 2022. Speaker Acad. Z. Putkaradze, Georgian Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Head of the Scientific Coordination Center.
4. Current issues.
The general meeting of the Academy was attended by the head of the Agrarian Affairs Committee of the Parliament of Georgia, Dr. Akhalbedashili, Director of the scientific research center of the Ministry of Environment and Agriculture of Georgia, Prof. L. Ujmajuridze and the staff of the Academy.

The Session was opened by the President of the Georgian Academy of Agricultural Sciences, the President of the European Union of Academies of Agriculture, Food and Nature Use (UEAA), Acad. Guram Aleksidze.
According to the agenda of the meeting, the Vice-President of the Academy, Acad. Givi Japaridze made comments on the report and noted that the extensive report discusses the activities of the Presidium of the Academy and each scientific department in 2021, the priorities of the Academy's scientific activities, the topics of the Academy's members' scientific and research activities in 2021-2022. Also the report includes the Academy's publishing activities, the Academy's environmental protection, plant genetic resources and a brief overview of the work performed by the Agrobiodiversity Coordination Center in 2021; as well as the proposals submitted by the Academy to the Parliament of Georgia regarding amendments to Article 161 of the Law of Georgia "On the National Academy of Sciences of Georgia".

After the President of the Academy Aleksidze's report, the Academician-Secretary of the Department of Agronomy Sciences, Acad. G. Margvelashvili, Academician-Secretary of the Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science J. Gugushvili, academician-secretary of the department of agroengineering sciences, Acad. R. Makharoblidze, academician-secretary of the Department of Food Safety and Food Technology Sciences, Aka. Z. Tskitishvili, Academician-Deputy Secretary of the Department of Environmental Protection and Forestry Sciences, Acad. G. Gagoshidze.
The head of the center, A.R. of Adjara Academy of Agricultural Sciences of Georgia Acad. Z. Putkaradze reported to the general assembly of the academy about scientific activities of the coordinating center.
The report on the program "Development of rural and agricultural development of Georgia - modernization (conceptual and organizational-methodological issues of development of the state program for the period up to 2030)" elaborated in the academy was Presented by N. Chitanava.
The director of the Scientific Research Center of the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia, prof. L. Ujmajuridze and the director of the Institute of Food Industry of STU, Acad. N. Bagathuria reported about the scientific and practical work carried out during the period discussed.

 

Session dedicated to Agroinnovations
On March 16, 2022, A Session of agrarian Innovations of the Academy was held.
"Agrarian Sector" was presented by Dr. of Agriculture Maya Meladze - chief scientific employee of the Institute of Hydrometeorology of the Technical University of Georgia, professor of the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Biosystems Engineering of the Technical University of Georgia.
The speaker noted that the global climate change has also covered the territory of Georgia, and the negative consequences caused by it may become even more intense in the future. In this regard, one of the most vulnerable sectors is agriculture.
Studies have shown that temperature changes in Georgia have a non-uniform character, which is determined by the complex orographic, landscape-climatic conditions of the territory.
High temperatures have a negative impact on agricultural activity - changes in temperature and precipitation regimes, shifts in seasons and changes in vegetation periods have significantly reduced harvests by traditional methods.
Due to the fact that the climate characteristic of a particular area of human habitation determines the mode of agricultural activity, along with the climate change, the practice of the field undergoes a transformation as well. In response to this problem, a new approach to the development of agriculture is on the agenda, which implies its transformation in such a way as to increase the capacity for effective management and sustainable development - it considers the implementation of the principles of climate-smart agriculture, responds to the challenges of climate change specific to a specific area, takes into account the expected change in climatic parameters and contributes to the yield increase.
Against the background of modern climate change, the agroclimatic aspects of the dry subtropical, mountainous and highland zones of Kakheti, Mtskheta-Mtianeti, Samtskhe-Javakheti, Kvemo and Shida Kartli have been investigated and analyzed, the dynamics of changes in agroclimatic characteristics over time and the possible transformation of the existing agroclimatic zones caused by climate change have been determined, on the basis of which the zones for the purpose of propagating appropriate prospective crops.

30 members of the commission participated in the work of the session; Vice-president of the Academy G. Japaridze participated in the discussion of the report together with the following experts: G. Tsofurashvili, Advisor to the Minister of Environment Protection and Agriculture O. Katcharava and Head of the Department Prof. O. Tedoradze, academician A. Didibulidze, professors M. Lobzhanidze, Ts. Samadashvili, A. Supatashvili and O. Karchava, well-known practitioners of the field L. Meskhi, Z. Loladze, Sh. Macharashvili.
The relevant resolution and recommendations were adopted.

General Assembly

   Report of the President of the Academy of Agricultural Sciences of Georgia at the general meeting of the Academy
(March 18, 2022)

    On March 18, 2022, a general meeting of the Academy was held at the Academy of Agricultural Sciences of Georgia, where the President of the Academy, Acad. Guram Aleksidze.
The topic of the President of the Academy's report: "About the scientific activities carried out in the Georgian Academy of Agricultural Sciences in 2021 and the future goals and objectives of the Academy in 2022".

 

 

 

Outgoing scientific expedition to the Kumisi poultry factory

On March 9, 2022, an outgoing scientific expedition to the Kumis poultry factory was organized by the Academy of Agricultural Sciences of Georgia and with the participation of scholarship holders of the Academy.
The expedition was led by: Jemal Gugushvili, the deputy chairman of the Scientific Council of the Academy, the academician-secretary of the Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science.
Participated: Academicians: E. Gugushvili, R. Asatiani, Prof. M.Kereselidze, Prof.A.Kurashvili, fellows of the Academy: M. Benashvili, E. Katsitadze, Z. Tiginashvili. Kumis factory director G. Maisuradze, head of production D. Kvatvivelishvili, chairman of the supervisory board T. Edisherashvili and the chief veterinarian of the factory L. Okriashvili.
Gogita Maisuradze, director of the factory, spoke in detail about the factory's activities, current situation and prospects.
The activity of the enterprise, equipped at a modern level, is the production of chicken eggs. The factory located on 12 hectares is located in the village of Kumis, Gardabani district, the enterprise operates 15 poultry houses, 12 for production birds and also 3 for rearing chicks. The chick is reared for 15 weeks.

The facilities where the birds are kept meet the requirements of modern standards. The use of high-quality grain and high standards and constant production control allow the factory to produce high-quality products - chicken eggs of category 0, I and II. The Kumisi poultry factory has passed the inspection of the National Food Agency of the Ministry of Agriculture of Georgia several times and the high level of production has been confirmed.

The factory was honored with a quality mark certificate at the ceremony held under the auspices of the 117th General Assembly of the European Quality Organization, and its products were included in the catalog of "The Best Qulity of Georgia" as an environmentally friendly and high-quality product. Since 2016, the company has had an ISO 22,000 category certificate, which confirms the proper operation of the management and strict compliance with the safety norms of the produced food products.
The factory sells its products with owned cars. The factory has a distribution network throughout the country (Adjara, Imereti, Guria, Samegrelo, Samtskhe-Javakheti, Kvemo Kartli and Shida Kartli), which ensures fast and smooth delivery of products.
Davit Ktavivelishvili, head of production, noted that the factory launched a new product under the name "Kumisi Farmer" this year. It comes in a different packaging and design. It is the egg of a bird that has been subjected to special nutrition and conditions, which actually has the same nutritional value as a village egg. The bird is supplied with digested feed, which contains special protein supplements. The bird's diet includes corn, wheat and barley. All chemical additives are removed from the diet, which makes the composition of eggs special, only natural water is used, which is filtered only by filters of natural origin. The bird is in a free environment. The egg is unique in its essence and technology. The customer has received this product well, and based on the requirements, the factory is planning to increase its production. Currently, the selling price of 1 egg is 0.42 GEL.

The chief veterinarian of the factory, Lali Okriashvili, spoke about chicken diseases, their causes, preventive measures and the positive value of eggs. He noted that the egg is a very useful product, it contains useful substances necessary for the body: proteins, vitamins B1, B2, D, E, K, PP, minerals, regulates the level of phosphorus in the body, is rich in glucose, strengthens bones and teeth, protects the body from oncological diseases. , improves memory and vision. It is established that regular consumption of eggs slows down the aging process of the mind. Recommended for people of all ages. The suitability of a chicken can be determined by its external signs, a good laying hen has a pink bib. Abdomen soft and massive. Depending on the size and shape, they choose: round, pointed, small, medium and large eggs.
The participants of the expedition visited the latest equipment in the factory, got acquainted with the innovative technologies of egg production, which is fully automated. The factory shares the closest standards implemented in foreign countries. Chairman of the Supervisory Board Tamaz Edisherashvili gave explanations regarding the mentioned issues.
Academicians: R. Asatiani, Prof. A. Kurashvili, scholars: E. Katsitadze, Z. Tiginashvili and others participated in the discussion.
At the end of the meeting, Academician Revaz Asatiani noted that the business relationship between the Academy of Agricultural Sciences of Georgia and the Kumis Poultry Factory should continue. The scholars of the Academy thanked the employees of the factory for the interesting information, for their very important activities and wished them success in their future activities.

Dear Academician I. Gadzalo,

Greetings from Georgia. I wish you, your family and all Academy`s good health and prosperity in this very difficult days for Ukraine.
I would assure you that the whole Georgian Academy of Agricultural Sciences supports you and wishes endurance on this very difficult path struggle for independence. The occupant never will be a winner.
Sincerely,
President, Guram Aleksidze

Scientific expedition of the Scientific Council of the Academy
On February 22, 2022, it was organized by the Scientific Council of the Academy of Agricultural Sciences of Georgia
Field-scientific expedition in the company "Ifkli-Dighomi".

The event was led by Elguja Gugushvili, the deputy chairman of the Scientific Council of the Academy, the academician-secretary of the Scientific Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science.
Academicians participated in the event: Elguja Gugushvili, Revaz Asatiani, Zaur Chankseliani, President of the Georgian Bread Association Prof. Malkhaz Dolidze, Prof. Maya Kereselidze and others.

Company director Nissan Iosebashvili and engineer-technologist Mukhran Bedianidze spoke in detail about the activities and current situation of "Ipkli-Digomi" company. In particular, they noted that the history of the company "Ipkli-Dighomi" begins in 1993, when business production in Georgia was not so easy. Today, "Ipkli-Dighomi" produces up to 75 types of pastries in the updated and European-type enterprise of the company. Almost all stores in Tbilisi, Rustavi, Mtskheta Gori and Kutaisi are supplied with the distribution line. Since 2016, the company has been baking bread with the perfect baking method using natural yeast. The company is updated with the latest European equipment. Modern baking technologies have been introduced, which are fully automated, which means that from the moment flour is poured into the machine until the bread is baked, no human hand touches the product. Today, "Ipkli-Dighomi" is the only company in the Georgian market, which bakes bread in a non-contact method in the mass production of bread. In surveys conducted by "Golden Brand", the company "Ipkli-Digomi" was named the leader of the field. Brand awareness and quality were the evaluation criteria of independent experts and consumers.
The company has been awarded many times for special achievements in Purfuntusheuil, each award is a great motivation for the service staff to grow the company even more and give as many people as possible the opportunity to become users of "Ipkli-Dighomi" products.
The following Academicians participated in the discussion: E. Gugushvili, R. Asatiani, and Prof. M. Dolidze.
At the end of the meeting, academician Elguja Gugushvili noted that the relationship between the Academy of Agricultural Sciences of Georgia and the company "Ifkli-Dighomi" should continue. He thanked the director, Mr. Nissan Iosebashvili, and the company's employees for the interesting information, for the very important work done by them, and wished them success in their future work