The Samtskhe-Javakheti Region – known as the granary of Georgia, is renowned for its diverse wheat cultivation. Here, the mountains meet colorful valleys, where the golden hues of ripening wheat shimmer under the sunlight. This initiative aims to improve the economic situation of vulnerable communities by equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed to produce high-quality wheat seeds.
In rural areas, every family grows wheat, but only a few harvest seeds for the next year. Many rural communities are vulnerable and cannot afford to buy seeds. Understanding how to produce, collect, and harvest high-quality seeds is crucial. Therefore, field training tailored to the needs of these communities focused on modern technologies related to heritage wheat seed production, harvesting, and storage.
Ms. Gulnari Chkhutiashvili, a Crop Specialist, and Mr. Mirian Chokheli, a Standards and Certification Specialist from the Scientific-Research Center of Agriculture (SRCA), conducted a workshop in the wheat field of project beneficiary Mr. Nika Gogolidze in the village of Toki, Aspindza Municipality.
Mr. Elguja Sheshaberidze from the village of Vargavi in Aspindza Municipality shared, “From my childhood, I have grown wheat, always striving for something special with high yields. I used to buy seeds from the local market. I remember when my grandparents sowed local, indigenous wheat varieties and collected seeds for the following year. It is rare now to collect seeds. Thanks to the project, we had the opportunity to grow ancient wheat ‘Tsiteli Doli,’ Now we are learning how to produce high-quality seeds ourselves so that farmers and producers can grow their own seeds.”
Ms. Keto Gogitidze from the village of Vargavi noted, “We have become complacent and forgotten the knowledge handed down from our ancestors. We mostly buy seeds from the market, and few people have seed material.”
Despite the region’s rich cultural heritage and endemic diversity, it struggles with economic disparities and limited access to modern agricultural practices. The knowledge and skills gained from this training, including seed material certification, present a significant opportunity for growing indigenous wheat varieties. Such initiatives can foster economic growth and improve the daily lives of these communities.
Participants engaged in hands-on activities to collect, separate, and sort grains. The workshop not only equipped farmers with practical skills but also reinforced the cultural and economic significance of Meskhetian wheat varieties. Supported by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), this broader initiative promotes sustainable agricultural practices and preserves the biodiversity and cultural heritage of the Samtskhe-Javakheti region.
Aimed at the sustainable management of agricultural biodiversity in Samtskhe-Javakheti, the project seeks to foster economic growth for vulnerable communities, which will contribute to the region’s overall prosperity.
