Within the framework of the program Improving the national and regional locust management in the Caucasus and Central Asia, the National Food Agency of Georgia was given the specialized high-speed equipment by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). The financial supporter of the project is the US Agency for International Development (USAID).

The specialized high-speed equipment will allow specialists of the National Food Agency to effectively monitor locust outbreaks over a large area, which will contribute to the locust population management.

The Deputy Head of the National Food Agency of Georgia, Zurab Lipartia, thanked the representatives of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization for their support and noted that a number of important steps have been taken in cooperation with international partners.

The deputy representative of the FAO in Georgia, Mamuka Meskhi, emphasized the importance of the locust control program and regional cooperation.

"Our goal is to reduce the locust population to the point, where the expected damage is minimal and crops are preserved to ensure food security for the rural population. The program also focuses on the regional cooperation, including reducing the risk of pesticide usage in the countries of the region. We are pleased that, with the support of FAO, in this direction, the National Food Agency has introduced a number of modern, internationally recognized methods and practices to Georgia," said Mamuka Meskhi.

The equipment transfer event was held in Kakheti region in the field conditions. The guests had the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the possibilities of the new equipment on the spot.

The representatives of the National Food Agency, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) attended the event.