Value Chain Analysis of Broccoli In Kvemo Kartli

Abstract

Agriculture holds a significant position within the Georgian economy. It is particularly important for regional development, as the majority of the rural population is employed in the field of agriculture (42% of the national labour force is listed as being self-employed in rural areas). The main goal of this study is to conduct a value chain analysis of broccoli in Kvemo Kartli, which involves studying this sector in detail and determining its future development prospects. The study focuses its attention on the opportunities and difficulties derived from the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA) Agreement for this sector. Georgian soil and climate are favourable for broccoli production. Although broccoli is currently not regarded as a widely used agricultural product in Georgia, and there is a lack of statistical information about the volume of production in the country, demand for broccoli is growing both in Georgia and across the world, as evidenced by increased global production and land coverage. The average annual production growth is 2.9%, while the average land coverage growth rate is 2.6%. Although horticulture in Kvemo Kartli is mainly represented by potatoes, grains and vegetables, the region also produces broccoli, and research revealed that there are even villages where commercial production of this plant constitutes the main source of income for farmers. Broccoli is often produced together with cauliflower, and the statistical information presented in this study represents aggregated data for broccoli and cauliflower.