Traditional   Agriculture  and Prospects for the Development of the Georgian Village ( Historical - Ethnographic  Study of  Kakheti Region)

Traditional agriculture in Kakheti and its different fields has developed in compliance with the region’s geoclimatic zoning (plain, foothill, mountain). 

Wrong agricultural policy in Georgia in the 1990s dramatically slowed rural development; consequently, the rural infrastructure in Kakheti was destroyed, irrigation systems and physical infrastructure were disrupted, prices for agricultural materials and tools went up, etc. The 20-year period of institutional reforms could not create favorable social and economic environment for rural development.

Today the small and medium-sized farming are mainly developing in Kakheti.Some of the farmers use old technics and traditional methods, some utilize modern technologies. At present farmers' cooperation which is rather important for the development of separate agricultural sectors is at a slow pace, though showing an increasing trend. Due to the unique geo-climatic conditions, Kakheti can become a serious manufacturer and competitive exporter of bioproduction on the foreign market.

The government’s incorrect strategy of agricultural land distribution seriously hinders the development of agriculture. At the same time, there  is a low level of production and management, poorly treated arable lands and pastures, lack of affordable technology, poor quality seeds, absence of veterinary laboratories, etc. Agriculture in Kakheti  is experiencing a lack of qualified personnel; however, the existence of agricultural vocational colleges gives a perspective to overcome this drawback.

The project results have both theoretical and practical value. It will provide the theorists and practitioners of the relevant fields with the necessary information and create a theoretical basis for state organizations to devise a strategy for rural development.