The occupied Gali villages have already harvested 60% of the hazelnut. Local agronomist Varlam Mebonia says more than 7,000 tonnes of crops are expected.
A local specialist told Report.ge that the last year more than 20% of the harvest was spoiled because of the pests. Nowadays 80% of the crop was preserved. Price per 1 kg of nuts varies according to the quality 60 - 110 rubles.
About 12,000 tons of hazelnuts are expected in Abkhazia this year, stated Amiran Kakalia,the Minister of Agriculture of the de facto republic. According to him the plantations cover about 12 - 15 hectares at this point.
De facto authorities of Abkhazia have decided to abolish the export tax on hazelnuts, issued by the Ministry Cabinet. Sokhumi adopted a resolution on the export of hazelnuts in July 2018.
The price of hazelnuts in Western Georgia is doubled this year and specialists predict its further increase by GEL 1-2.
It is also noteworthy that the cost of passing the Enguri Bridge is GEL 250 for men.
Specialists say that access to the Georgian market for farmers from occupied Abkhazia is acceptable, desirable and profitable in terms of tax free trade regimes and access to the European market but the authorities limit this opportunity.
Bela Gelashvili
News Author