6. 6
OObbjjeeccttiivveess
Promote efficient practices of on-farm nutrient
management in the selected watersheds to reduce river
water pollution and meet requirements of the EU Nitrate
and Clean Water Directives
Demonstrate and disseminate use of bio-gas digesters to
reduce household demand for firewood and cut
methane emissions into the atmosphere
Carry out adaptive research, on-farm testing and
extension of the advanced farming practices that improve
productivity and decrease environmental damage
7. 7
CChhaalllleennggeess FFaacceedd
Choosing watersheds adequate for Program
implementation and farmer education
Picking farmers for adoption of environment friendly
agricultural practices
Selecting appropriate technologies/practices for
pollution control
Optimizing bio-gas digester design to achieve good
performance throughout all seasons
Operating in a setting with poor rural economy and weak
infrastructure
10. 22000022--22000044 OOuuttppuuttss aanndd IImmppaacctt
Bio-gas digesters installed at 120 farms
Manure storage facilities arranged at 310 farms
Good agricultural practices adopted in 279 farms
Individual nutrient management plans developed for
220 farmers
Training in good management practices delivered to
2500 farmers
Comprehensive water monitoring program put in place
for three watersheds
In three years the Ochkhomuri river water quality
improved significantly to meet EU nitrate standard
10
11. 11
CCoonncclluussiioonnss
Focusing agricultural research on farmers’ needs and
adapting it to the real rural life setting is a single
window of opportunity for the national agricultural
knowledge system
Extension of advanced technologies to the subsistence,
small and medium farmers is a challenging task, taking
time and resources for demonstrating, carrying out
participatory trails and building awareness
Making tangible change in the quality of environment
proved possible through concentration of external and
local resources within a focus area
Strong economic incentives are only viable tools for
sustaining the present positive trend as well as for
exporting it beyond the pilot area
12. 12
CChhaalllleennggeess
ffoorr SSccaalliinngg uupp EEPPCC PPrrooggrraamm
Agricultural non-point sources of pollution have
significant impact on water quality at present, with a
potential to increase in future
Majority of Georgian farmers do not use environment
friendly technologies and are unaware of damage to
public health and environment made by their current
farming practices
Georgia lacks adequate environmental regulations and
economic policies to achieve compliance with EU
Nitrate and Clean Water Directives