Winners of the small grant program have set up greenhouses with the support of APM Terminals Poti. Nine greenhouses have been set up over the past several months in Poti and, consequently, nine beneficiary families are waiting for harvest.

Maia Topuria, the food industry technologist by profession, is engaged with the maintenance of the new greenhouse and crop care. She said they had a greenhouse, but could not use it as it was outdated. Under the grant program, the greenhouse was completely renovated and the necessary equipment for its operation was purchased, including drip system materials.

"The whole family was very happy to receive the grant. This program allowed us to renovate the greenhouse. We bought the appropriate equipment and started the business with new motivation. In the first stage, we bought herbs and were able to sell them easily in the local market, but our goal is to grow strawberries. We have already ordered seedlings and from next year we think that we will have a big strawberry harvest.” – says Maia Topuria.

Unlike his neighbor, Goderdzi Korkelia had no experience in greenhouse farming, although he did not find it difficult. "I do not consider myself unemployed anymore. I am employed in my greenhouse, which makes me very happy. This is the merit of the grant programme. I should admit, it was a surprise to me to win it. We have already got the first crop, cucumbers and herbs, however, since strawberries are much more profitable, I think I will start a strawberry business. My goal is to grow strawberries for the winter season, for which I have already started preparation.”

It is noteworthy that the beneficiaries of the program have received individual consultations from an agronomist, getting acquainted with rules in detail, which can be used for cultivation, care, and plant protection, as well as for the proper arrangement of greenhouses.