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Minister Songulashvili Visits Milk Processing Enterprise in Akhaltsikhe Municipality
Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, Mr. David Songulashvili, visited the Akhaltsikhe Municipality, where he observed the operations of the milk processing enterprise Tsipora-Samtskhe, a facility established with state support.
Tsipora-Samtskhe is a beneficiary of the Rural Development Agency and has repeatedly utilized the “Preferential Agrocredit” program to expand production and modernize its technology. The company has received over GEL 1.6 million in loans through the initiative. Currently, the enterprise processes 7 to 9 tonnes of milk daily and produces four types of cheese. The company employs 60 people and distributes its products through various retail chains across Georgia. Notably, the enterprise operates entirely on 100% renewable energy.
During his visit, Minister Songulashvili also met with local farmers and entrepreneurs who benefit from various programs offered by the Rural Development Agency.
“Alongside support for the livestock sector, the Rural Development Agency is actively implementing several programs to promote the dairy industry. These initiatives support both primary production and processing, providing financial assistance to adopt modern systems and meet food safety standards. We aim to encourage the production of high-quality, safe Georgian products through state-led projects,” said Minister Songulashvili.
The Deputy Minister, Mr. Kakha Kakabadze, MP in Akhaltsikhe, Adigeni, Borjomi, and Aspindza Municipalities, Mr. Anton Obolashvili, State Representative for the Samtskhe-Javakheti Region, Mr. Zaal Gelashvili, Chair of the City Council of the Akhaltsikhe Municipality, Mr. David Lomidze, and Acting Director of the Rural Development Agency, Mr. Giorgi Avaliani, accompanied the Minister.
It is worth mentioning that the Rural Development Agency has been implementing the “Preferential Agrocredit” project for over 10 years, with the primary goal to provide farmers and individuals involved in agribusiness with cheap, long-term, and accessible financial resources, and to improve the production processes of primary agricultural production, processing, storage, and sale.