The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), under EU-funded ENPARD programme, held a Mechanization Field Day for the farmers and stakeholders in the village of Chiauri, Lagodekhi municipality of Georgia.

Mechanization suppliers of Lagodekhi had the opportunity to observe and test tractors and other agricultural equipment showcased by Agromotors, one of the mechanization suppliers in Georgia. In addition, they learned about the benefits of Conservation Agriculture and minimum-tillage of soil and had the opportunity to see specialized equipment used for this purpose.  These agricultural practices reduce the risks and impact of climate change and increase productivity sustainably, reducing greenhouse gases emissions.

Allan Pineda, FAO Agronomist talked about the benefits of Conservation Agriculture and highlighted the successful cases of increased harvest and income by adopting minimum tillage. Mukhran Metreveli, a maize farmer in Chiauri shared his positive experience with fellow mechanization suppliers. With the support of EU and FAO experts, this season he established a three-ha demonstration plot and acknowledged that the crop developed better under mild drought conditions, when minimum-tillage was implemented. “The land preparation was done faster and with less fuel consumption,” Metreveli noted.

Attendees were also informed about the ongoing EU-funded FAO-ENPARD grants competition, providing cost-shared investments opportunities for farmers, rural households, cooperatives and other small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in rural areas. Information about the grants can be found at the website: www.FAOGRANTS.GE.

The EU is supporting agriculture and rural development in Georgia through its ENPARD Programme. Implemented since 2013 with a total budget of EUR 179.5 million, the main goal of ENPARD is to reduce rural poverty in Georgia. The first phase of ENPARD in Georgia focused on developing the potential of agriculture. The second and third phases of ENPARD focus on creating economic opportunities for rural population that go beyond agricultural activities. More information on ENPARD is available at www.enpard.ge