On the development strategy of vegetable growing, fruit growing and fishing in Abkhazia

Economists, businesspeople and farmers discussed prospects of development of vegetable growing, fruit growing and fishing industry.

Sukhum. February 20. Apsnypress. Dmitry Basariya. The presentation of sector strategies "Prospects for the development of vegetable and fruit growing in the Republic of Abkhazia" and "Prospects for the development of fisheries and aquaculture in the RA" was discussed at a conference by economy and agriculture ministers, representatives of the Institute of Agriculture, the Chamber of Commerce, Association of entrepreneurs, Moscow Abkhaz diaspora. Sectoral strategies were prepared and presented by the working group of the Ministry of Economy of Abkhazia together with the consulting company "Strategy Partners Group".
 
 Opening the event, the Minister of Economy of RA Adgur Ardzinba noted that the presentation is carried out in the framework of instructions of the President of Abkhazia Raul Khajimba on Development Programme preparation of Economy until 2025. "Work on the creation of the State Program of Economic Development of Abkhazia was conducted throughout 2016. Now the development of this program is in its final stage. We chose the most promising industries that should be budget-for the economy of Abkhazia. Tourism, horticulture, fruit-growing and fishing industry. Moscow Abkhaz diaspora took over the costs of paying for the services of consulting company "Strategy Partners Group", which is engaged in the research and forecasting of the Russian market, the development of marketing programs and evaluation of project performance. At the conference, the participants will choose the priority projects included in the portfolio of strategic initiatives for the development of vegetable growing, fruit growing and fishing industry. Tomorrow the event results will be available for the President Raul Khajimba in the framework of discussions of 25-step development of the economy of Abkhazia ", - said
Ardzinba.
 
 In turn, the moderator of the conference, the head of "Strategy Partners Group" consulting company projects Nikita Popov announced the problems and prospects of development of vegetable growing, fruit growing and fishing industry, as well as their development proposals. "Together with the representatives of the Abkhazian Cabinet of Ministers of Abkhazia and entrepreneurs, we analyzed the problems of development of vegetable growing, fruit growing and fishing industry. Approximate analysis shows that Abkhazia specializes in these industries in international trade".
 
 At the same time Popov provided statistical data: "Agricultural Abkhazia demonstrates positive dynamics of development. This sector of the economy provides 12% release of producing industries and 13% - employment. In particular, vegetables and fruits - 28% of agricultural sector. Citrus fruits and nuts - 41% of output and 92% of exports in this sector. However, under the vegetable and fruit growing it employs only about 15% of the country's land. If you increase this share to 40%, it is possible to increase the production of perennial crops. It should be noted that the basis of these industries account for individual farms, providing 92% of production and 95% of gross output. At the same time, combining disparate private farms to large enterprises, we can at times improve industry performance".
 
 In addition, Popov noted the need for development in Abkhazia processing technologies, "allowing dispose of seasonal excess production and ensure its access to new segments of the market", as well as the introduction of fruit- and vegetable varieties with different ripening period.
 
 According to the "Strategy Partners Group", the most promising crops, taking into account the needs of the Russian market and Abkhazian features are: peaches, kiwi, plums, figs, cherries, pear, tangerine, pineapple guava, strawberries, raspberries, tomatoes, peppers, eggplant , cucumbers.
 
Among the problems hindering the development of vegetable and fruit growing in Abkhazia, a representative of the consulting company noted spoilage of goods and failure of terms of logistics due to delays of customs clearance at the border, the lack of expertise in marketing and branding, the absence of a seed base of fruit and vegetable plants, limited infrastructure storage of agricultural products, lack of qualified staff (agronomists, technicians, machine operators, tractors) and under-developed education system.