News
David Songulashvili: “Joint Efforts of the Ministry, Local Governments, and Farmers Are Key to Combating the Asian Stink Bug and Minimizing Crop Damage”.
The Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, Mr David Songulashvili, visited the newly renovated Regional Center for the Fight Against the Asian Stink Bug in Abasha Municipality, operated by the National Food Agency.
During the visit, the Minister was briefed on the action plans and strategies set for the current year.
The parties focused on the state programs and approaches to controlling the Asian Stink Bug, emphasizing the Government's continued active involvement in combating the pest. The conversation touched upon the critical role of local self-governments, as their representatives, in coordination with the Center for the Fight Against the Asian Stink Bug, play an essential role in planning, execution, and public awareness efforts.
The Deputies of the Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, Mr Kakha Kakabadze and Mr Lasha Dolidze, the Minister of Agriculture of Adjara, Mr Zaza Shavadze, the representatives from the National Food Agency, the Rural Development Agency, the Agricultural Laboratory, "Georgian Amelioration," including state representatives from the Samegrelo, Guria, and Imereti regions, and local municipalities attended the meeting.
“All available resources have been mobilized to ensure an effective response to this challenge. The comprehensive approach requires collaboration at all levels—central and local governments, including direct engagement with farmers through village governors. We cannot separate responsibilities between the state, central and local governments and farmers; this is a shared challenge that demands a collective effort to minimize the damage to crops,” stated Mr David Songulashvili.
It is worth mentioning that approximately 250 units of specialized equipment have been mobilized at the management centre to combat the pest. Additionally, monitoring systems for tracking the spread of the pest and informing the public have been established. The spaces have also been created and renovated to facilitate information sessions with farmers and other stakeholders, ensuring well-coordinated events.