Knowledge and experience sharing in agriculture, based on scientific-research and particularly in viticulture, is vital. The region, like Samtskhe-Javaketi, is lacking trainings and tailored knowledge sharing based on practices events for farmers. Vineyards are blend of tradition, culture and livelihood for local indigenous communities. However, this knowledge is under the risk of disappearing and needs to be delicately transferred from one generation to the next. In response to these challenges, the Regional Environmental Centre for the Caucasus continues to implement customized farmers’ tailored trainings to equip them with essential practical skills and knowledge they need. These efforts not only strengthen famers’ capacity to manage challenges effectively, but also foster long-term sustainability and resilience for future generations, empowering them for further development and also contributing to the preservation of their cultural heritage.
Vine pests and diseases pose a significant threat to grape cultivation, impacting the plant and crop quality. Climate change, as well as globally spread diseases, underscore the urgency of proactive management strategies. Field on-site trainings encompassed a range of topics, including pest identification, diseases diagnosis, integrated pest management techniques, and sustainable agricultural practices. Visuals of the main pests and diseases made farmers to evaluate the spread of them in their vineyards and discuss the effective treatment measures. More than 60 farmers attended the event and it is noteworthy that the interest grew among the young generation. These are the cooperation efforts with the Scientific-Research Center of Agriculture (SRCA), that guarantees science and research based solutions to the actual problems in viticulture.
With the support of the Global Environment Facility (GEF), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia, and the Regional Environmental Centre for the Caucasus (RECC), efforts are underway to restore and widely distribute the endangered Meskhetian vine varieties in the Samtskhe-Javakheti region. By fostering a deeper understanding of vineyard ecology and pest dynamics, farmers can make decisions and implement targeted interventions to mitigate risks.
The field trainings were conducted within the framework of the GEF supported project “Sustainable Management of Agricultural Biodiversity in Vulnerable Ecosystems and Rural Communities of Samtskhe-Javakheti Region in Georgia”, in the vineyards of Eteri Babelashvili, in the settlement of Aspindza, Aspindza Municipality and Ude Monastry, in village Boladjuri, Adigeni Municipality. Participants were guided by Mr. Zurab Khidesheli.
“The widely spread hybrid grapes mostly are not treated the way, Mr. Khidesheli explained to us. In general, we used to spray Bordeaux mixture several times to avoid pests and diseases. This project gave us possibility to identify the disease, screen it and receive professional and science-based treatment with effective means.” – Ms. Eteri Babelashvili, farmer from settlement Aspindza, Aspindza municipality.
“On-site practical trainings and visualization of the threads are effective means of knowledge transfer. There were so many cases in our practice, when we had problems in our vineyards, but local representatives of pesticide sellers could not identify problems properly. After this training, I will ensure to follow the pheno-calendar treatment in my vineyard to avoid massive spread of pests and diseases.” – Mr. David Endeladze, farmer from village Tsakhani, Adigeni municipality.
The sessions were designed so that the format encouraged farmers’ active interaction and went in a format of Q&A. This approach allowed farmers to test their knowledge and engage in meaningful discussions by exchanging practical perspectives with each other. By imparting knowledge, fostering collaboration, and promoting sustainable practices, field on-site trainings represent a vital investment in the future of agriculture. As we navigate the complexities of a changing climate and globalized economy, the empowerment of farmers through education remains a cornerstone of resilience and adaptation in viticulture.
