Agriculture Ministry forecasts “abundant” apple harvest
Noting the companies were expected to start receiving apples from the beginning of September, the sides agreed to make a “balanced decision” in the near future to ensure a smooth process of apple harvesting, storage and sale. Photo: Nino Alavidze/Agenda.ge
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The Georgian Agriculture Ministry said on Friday it was expecting an “abundant” apple harvest of between 130-135 thousand tonnes in the country this year.
The forecast has been made by the Ministry while it also pointed out effects of bad weather and frequent rains, noting the latter had a “significant impact” on the quality of apples. The body also said processing enterprises planned to deliver about 50 thousand tonnes of apples for the production of concentrate during the current season.
A meeting between Georgian Agriculture Minister Otar Shamugia and representatives of apple processing and concentrate production companies discussed the current situation in the sector and the challenges related to the apple harvesting season.
Shamugia stressed the importance of “active communication” with entrepreneurs to “accurately define” the needs and make “appropriate decisions based on the correct analysis”.
Noting the companies were expected to start receiving apples from the beginning of September, the sides agreed to make a “balanced decision” in the near future to ensure a smooth process of apple harvesting, storage and sale.
Vegetable production in Georgia has increased by 15 percent in recent years and amounted to 176.1 tonnes, Otar Shamugia, the Agriculture Minister of the country, said on Thursday.
Production of perennial crops in Georgia has increased by 33 percent in recent years and amounted to 600,000 tonnes, Otar Shamugia, the Agriculture Minister of the country, said on Thursday.
Georgia has exported 10,848 tonnes of clementines between August 1, 2020 and January 31, 2021 which is a 38% increase compared to the same period of 2019, announces Georgian Ministry of Agriculture and Environmental Protection.
The government of Georgia is subsidising the cost of apples as a way to support fruit growers and processing companies, announces Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia.
Fruit processing enterprises involved in the Georgian state programme enabling farmers to submit their produce accepted over 73,000 tonnes of apples during the last harvest season, with producers making over $6,6 million in delivering their products, Georgia’s Rural Development Agency said on Friday.
Georgia’s Agriculture Ministry on Wednesday said it expected this year’s apple harvest across the country to yield 50,000 tonnes.