We need to find opportunities for assistance to farmers – Raul Khadjimba

The President Raul Khajimba held a meeting on the development of agriculture.

The meeting was attended by the Speaker of the National Assembly of the Parliament of the Republic of Abkhazia Valeriy Bganba, Prime Minister Beslan Butba, Head of the Presidential Administration Astamur Taniya, Finance Minister Amra Kvarandziya, Agriculture Minister Rafik Otyrba, heads of administrations of Sukhum, Gulripsh, Gudauta, Ochamchira and Tkuarchal areas.

The President was interested in the preparations for the beginning of spring field work, in particular, the state of the regional MTS. "We need to find ways to help farmers, they need to be provided with fertilizer and fuel", - he said.

The meeting discussed the development projects funded under the Investment Program to promote socio-economic development of Abkhazia in 2015. "Only the correct use of the financial opportunities provided by Russia will yield positive results. Most of the projects should be linked with the development of rural areas", - said the President. He informed the audience that on his behalf will be a special commission with the involvement of the ministries of economy, finance, agriculture and deputies of the Parliament, which will be transparently and objectively select projects under government funding. "We need a responsible approach to these issues, in order not to get to the exit long list of unpaid debts. This money should be directed to the aid of simple peasants, and not for the enrichment of individuals", - said the President.

Khadjimba highlighted the development of the agricultural sector such as commercial fishing. "We live by the sea, but there is no work on the development of fisheries practically. Consider the possibility of launching a pilot project for the development of the fishing industry, possibly with the involvement of investors. We produce fishmeal exports, but in fact correct to organize the production of the same fodder here we have", - he added. The Prime Minister Beslan Butba said that large financial costs of processing of arable land: "More and more farmers simply can not afford to cultivate the land, preferring to buy the same cornmeal on the market. We need to change this situation".

Agriculture Minister Rafik Otyrba reported to the President about the plans for the coming year, highlighting the need for public support of the peasants.

The head of administration of the Sukhumi district Beslan Avidzba commented on the inconsistency of the real arable land according to the documents. "We started a comprehensive inventory, and we want to know the real numbers. According to documents in Sukhum district there are107 hectares of tea, but in reality it is not so, "- he added.

The President stressed the need to establish land registry and inventory of land in the country.

The Speaker of the National Assembly Valeriy Bganba supported the establishment of the land cadastre and added that there are some sectors of agriculture, which are not profitable, but they are an important component of food security, and the state should subsidize them. Head of the Presidential Administration Astamur Taniya spoke of the need for agricultural development of the concept of Abkhazia by industry in the short and long term, taking into account features that make the Russian market and the policy of import substitution.

Summing up the meeting, the President stressed the importance of active work in cooperation of the government, the Ministry of Agriculture and local administrations. He instructed to report weekly on the spring field work.