Solomon Pavliashvili the Deputy Minister of Environment Protection and Agriculture opened a special forum. The forum is being held on the theme of “Public and Private Extension Cooperation.”
The Rural Development Agency (RDA) of Georgia organized the forum under the third phase of the “Modernization of Vocational Education System in Georgian Agriculture” (VET) project.
During the opening remarks the minister stated “ The agriculture ministry is working round the clock to ensure the agriculture extension in the country. The major benefit of this extension service is that any farmer can avail the benefits regardless of the type and quantity of his crops.”
The minister underlined “ It is the main priority of our ministry to increase the number of educational programs as much as possible. These educational programs will boost the competitiveness of our farmers, which will also help them enhance the quality and quantity of their produce.”
The participants were addressed by the director of the Rural Development Agency, Davit Tsitlidze. The representative of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), Elene Tshakaya also addressed the attendees.
On the other hand, Lasha Shalamberidze head of the Department of Relations with Regions of the Rural Development Agency gave a presentation on the VET program. Other dignitaries who attended the forum were Irma Abkhazava, Deputy Minister of Agriculture of the Republic of Adjara, Zurab Lipartia Deputy Director of the National Food Agency, representatives of vocational schools and donor organizations, students of the Rural Development Agency and representatives of public and private extension agencies.
It is to be noted this forum was held under the “Modernization of (VET) Vocational Education System program of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) with the support of the Swiss Development Fund (SDF). As per the ministry the plans for the delivery of extension services to small farmers are in the pipeline. The analytical documents are also being prepared under the framework of the VET program.
