A Field Day  focused on Conservation Agriculture was organized under the ENPARD Programme by the  EU, FAO and the Regional Environmental Centre for Caucasus (REC), and attracted more than 50 farmers, producers and extensionists who want to improve their production using more environmental friendly agricultural practices. FAO agronomists introduced the no-till approach, as one of the components of Conservation Agriculture methods which involve the minimal disturbance of soil, as opposed to traditional deep ploughing. The participants, who came from Gori, Kareli, Sagarejo and Gardabani municipalities, were also able to check FAO's wheat, barley and rye demonstration plots in Kaspi arranged with the no-till method, and see in situ the potential of this technique

Two years ago, FAO agronomists set up the first no-till demonstration plots in Kakheti and after the successful harvest and increased yields farmers in Shida Kartli also decided to try and replicate the method. As a result, with the EU and FAO support, this year over 250 hectares of land all over Georgia have been planted using the innovative no-till method. The farmers who switched to this new technique are able to reduce direct costs by 37%. As of the fuel, it is reduced by two and a half times when no-till technology is used. Moreover, the method significantly reduces labour costs, protects soil from erosion, keeps the soil moisturized and rich with minerals, thus reducing the risk and impact from short droughts, which are becoming more common in various Georgian regions due to climate change.

“Georgian farmers can and should make more profits from agricultural production, while using more sustainable practices. No tillage of cereals introduced by FAO and EU under the ENPARD Programme allow farmers to get better harvest and save money. It is a win-win deal. We believe that no tillage can become a mainstreamed agricultural practice in Georgia, and we keep committed to support farmers with technical assistance,” said Javier Sanz Alvarez, FAO-EU Project Coordinator. 

The EU is supporting agriculture and rural development in Georgia through its ENPARD programme. Implemented since 2013 with a total budget of EUR 234.5 million, the main goal of ENPARD is to provide economic opportunities in rural areas and reduce poverty in Georgia. More information on ENPARD is available at: www.enpard.ge.