BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 7
By Tamilla Mammadova – Trend:
A batata (white sweet potato) greenhouse was arranged in the Georgian Lagodekhi municipality with the support of the European Union, Trend reports, referring to the statement of the European Neighbourhood Program for Agriculture and Rural Development (ENPARD).
The initiative calls for growing seedlings in a greenhouse in an open ground for production of batata tubers. It fosters introduction of innovative practice in agriculture sector through production of new agricultural crops.
The vegetable production is carried out in ecologically clean way, without artificial substances and fertilizers.
“The EU has made an essential contribution. Without assistance I would not be able to arrange the greenhouse and grow seedlings. Without seedlings I would not receive the harvest. This year we expect to harvest some 30 tons. The next year we plan to sell batata seedlings to local residents. As a result, the vegetable production will be popularized and farmers will grow their incomes,” says Shota Eriashvili, a EU beneficiary.
Batata is generally imported from abroad. Its production in Georgia started in 2018. The Lagodekhi batata is currently sold at AgroHub chain of malls in Georgia.
The European Union supports rural development in Georgia through the ENPARD program. This program, which aims to reduce the poverty level of the rural population, has been implemented since 2013 and has a total budget of 179.5 million euros.
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