Academician of Georgian Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Professor Guram Aleksidze is elected a Real Member of Georgian Academy of Sciences on the 26th of December, 2018, by the Open Meeting of Academicians.
All staff members of Georgian Academy of Agricultural Sciences congratulate Academician Guram Aleksidze with the significant success and wishes new achievements in his scientific work and social efforts.
Presentation of the Minister of Ajara Ministry of Agriculture at the Presidium of Georgian Academy of Agricultural Sciences
On December 28, 2018, Tite Aroshidze, the Minister of Ajara Ministry of Agriculture made a presentation on major directions and future prospects of development of agriculture in Ajara Autonomous Republic at the Presidium of Georgian Academy of Agricultural Sciences. The presenter mentioned that Agriculture and its future sustainable development is one of the priorities of Ajara Autonomous Republic, and it is a main source of income for rural population.
Also, its function is to support food safety and social and economic security of rural population. This largely depends on increase of competitiveness of the local production of agricultural products, implementation of advanced agro-technologies, and raise of soil productivity alongside with professional training and raising qualification of those employed in agrarian sector.
Minister mentioned that most important sectors in Ajara Agriculture are: citruses, horticulture, viticulture, vegetable growing, animal husbandry, bee keeping, fishing, and other. Besides limitation in agricultural lands, level of implementation of agro-technique is very low. Therefore, it is important to plan and carry out different necessary measures to promote food safety and increase productivity in Ajara Region; also it is necessary to attract investments which will increase the farmers’ income. The priorities outlined by Ajara Ministry of Agriculture for 2019-2022 are oriented on further sustainable development, which are based on proposals of local non-governmental organizations to meet the needs of population. They are in full correspondence with the strategies of “Ajara Agriculture Development “ and “ Ajara Rural Development” projects.
During the meeting, an initiative of GAAS to involve Ajara region in restoration and development process of sericulture, a traditional branch for this region, was discussed. The first attempts were carried out in 2018, in experimental station of Agro-Service Center of the Ministry of Agriculture in which several stages – feeding of silkworm with the help of modern technologies, and thread reeling took place. This could be considered as the first steps made in the strategic plan of revival and implementation of sericulture in Ajara.
The presentation of the Minister of Ajara Agriculture was highly appreciated by the meeting participants. Deputy President, Academician Givi Japaridze, Academicians N. Chitanava, T. Kunchulia, Z. Chakseliani, O. Keshelashvili, E. Shapakidze, Z. Putkaradze and G. Nikoleishvili participated in the discussion held at the end of the meeting.
The President of the Academy G. Aleksidze, in his closing speech spoke about the importance of close cooperation between GAAS and Ajara Ministry of Agriculture which was first stipulated by Memorandum of Partnership between the parties in 2018. The further fruitful and diverse relationships between the parties involve many other interesting projects and will be a good example for other regions in the country.
Round Table
Successful Projects in Georgian Agriculture
Organizers Georgian Academy of Agricultural Sciences and Tele-company “Saperavi TV”
Opening of Round Table by the President of Georgian Academy of Agricultural Sciences Academician Guram Aleksidze
On the 20th of December, 2018, in the Conference Hall of the Academy, a Round Table was held on the following topic: ”Presentation of successful and innovative projects in Georgian agriculture”.
In the work of Round Table the following persons took part: GAAS members, agrarian field coordinators, invited guests from I. Javakhishvili University, Georgian University, Technical and Agrarian Universities; the Scientific Center of the Ministry of Environment and Agriculture, and the representatives of various private and non-governmental companies and organizations.
Round Table was opened by Academician Guram Aleksidze who addressed the participants with the opening speech. The following presentations were made at the Meeting:
The authors of scientific presentations answered the questions from the audience and held very interesting discussion. The following academicians took part in discussion: N. Chitanava, J. Katsitadze, A. Didebulidze, E. Shapakidze, A. Vashakidze, J. Gugushvili. Z. Chakseliani, T. Kurashvili. Prof. M. Giorgobiani, Prof. A. Meskhishvili, Dr. K. Lashkhi, and others. In conclusion, it was noted that the government should pay more attention to the development of agricultural sciences, so that the researchers could take a full participation in successful implementation of agricultural projects.
Round Table participants noticed that the results of successful projects highlighted by Saperavi TV should be also presented to the Academy of Agricultural Sciences for discussion; also, the recommendations and decisions made by its members should be sent to different organizations, farmers, specialists of agriculture and disseminated widely.
Scientific Expedition – Seminar in the Research Center of Bio-rational Technologies
On December 17, 2018, on the initiative of Georgian Academy of Agricultural Sciences, an expedition - Seminar of GAAS Scientific Council to the Research Center of Bio-Rational technologies was held. The aim was working out innovative projects and planning the ways of their implementation.
Detailed information regarding the future plans of the Center was presented by the directors of the Center – Academic Doctors – N. Zazashvili and M. Chichakua.
Next to the staff members of the Center, the academicians of GAAS J. Gugushvili, Kurashvili and Professor J. Nachkebia made their presentations. The main direction of the presentations was the significance of application of bio-technological substances as a treatment, and some preventative measures taken against cattle diseases.
The staff members of the Center thanked the GAAS academicians for assistance, recommendations and important initiatives extended by them during their many-year fruitful cooperation.
“World Soil Day 2018”
The 5th of December is an international Soil Day dedicated to protection of soil worldwide.
As it is stated in FAO Press release, StopSoilPollution is at the heart of the Global Soil Partnership’s mandate as demonstrated by the Global Symposium on Soil Pollution. We work to ensure that people have safe and nutritious food to ensure active and healthy life without endangering essential ecosystems services.
The 5th of December has been celebrated since 2013, when UN General Assembly adopted a resolution regarding the Soil Day to be celebrated around the World.
According to UN information, one-third of soil worldwide is already degraded. Though this process - Soil pollution is a hidden reality, it brings huge damage to everyone. Soil is a complex growing habitat that remains productive only if it is cared for and nurtured. Combating soil pollution is the only way to minimize the risks for food security, damage of human health and the environment. By the end of 2050, the world population will possibly reach 9 billiards, which will considerably increase soil pollution. This process will negatively reflect on water we drink, food we eat, and air we breathe, as we read on UN Soil Day internet site. 
Different campaigns are organized dedicated to International Soil Day to raise awareness around the importance of soil protection, among them is an International Conference held at the Academy of Agricultural Sciences dedicated to the World Soil Day. It was organized by the Academic Department of GAAS and Scientific Department of Agronomy with the head of Academician Gogola Margvelashvili and learned Secretary Dr. R. Lolishvili.
The Conference attended the members of GAAS, the staff members, scholars, and Professors from I. Javakhishvili State University, A. Tsereteli University, Scientific Center of the Ministry of Environment and Agriculture, and Technical University.
The Conference was opened by Vice President Givi Japaridze who spoke about the significance of the soil protection and international celebration of World Soil Day.
Academicians G. Margvelashvili, Tengiz Kurashvili, Z. Chakseliani, Dr, G. Ghambashidze and Dr. G. Gogichaishvili, (Scientific Center of the Ministry of Environment and Agriculture), Prof. R. Lortkipanidze, (A. Tsereteli University) Prof. G. Gagoshidze, (Georgian Technical University), Dr. R. Lolishvili (GAAS). The Conference participants, including graduate and doctorate students, took active part in scientific discussion.
At the end of the meeting, Vice President, Academician Givi Japaridze and Academician Secretary of Scientific Department of Agronomy, Academician G. Margvelashvili awarded with honorable Certificates of Georgian Academy of Agricultural Sciences for the long and fruitful scientific – research work carried out in the field of soil studies the following persons: Prof. Roza Lortkipanidze, Prof. Tsiala Pipia ( I. Javakhishvili State University), Dr. Aleksandre Megrelidze ( Scientific- Research Center), and Dr. Tariel Jiadze.
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