Material prepared within the framework of the International Potato Tour (IPT)
During the Georgian stage of the International Potato Tour, the team conducted an in-depth discussion with farmer Grigori Karagezov, a second-generation potato grower from the Tsalka region. The conversation provided valuable insights into the structure of local production, as well as the key constraints limiting the development of the potato sector in this area.
Potato Farming in Tsalka: Structure and Characteristics
Tsalka is one of Georgia’s traditional potato-growing regions. Production is dominated by small-scale farms, typically ranging from 1 to 3 hectares. Larger operations, such as Karagezov’s farm, cultivate between 20 and 30 hectares.
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Crop rotation is relatively limited, most commonly following a simple pattern: cereals and potatoes. This is largely due to climatic conditions and restricted opportunities for crop diversification.
Planting usually takes place from late April to early May, while harvesting begins in September. However, the region is still exposed to risks such as late spring frosts and unstable weather conditions.
Yield Levels and Key Constraints
Average yields in the Tsalka district are around 17 tons per hectare, significantly below the genetic potential of modern potato varieties.
The main limiting factors include:
- dominance of small-scale farms
- limited access to modern machinery
- insufficient adoption of advanced agronomic practices
- widespread use of non-certified seed material
- underdeveloped storage infrastructure
At current yield levels, potato farming in the region operates close to a survival threshold rather than as a sustainable business.
Seed Production as a Strategic Direction
Given the volatility of the table potato market, some farmers are shifting toward seed potato production as a more stable business model.
Grigori Karagezov focuses on seed production using Dutch varieties from Agrico, including Sante, Arizona, and Arnella, working mainly with elite and second-generation seed classes.
This approach provides:
- more stable market demand
- stronger connections with early potato producers
- partial protection from price fluctuations
However, a major challenge remains global: the shortage of high-quality, disease-free seed material.
Technologies: High Potential, Limited Implementation
Farming practices in the region are still relatively basic:
- 3–4 crop protection treatments per season
- standard mineral fertilization
- limited use of biostimulants
- sprinkler irrigation where technically possible
At the same time, natural conditions — including soil quality and water availability — are generally favorable, indicating strong potential for yield improvement through modern technologies.
Market Integration and Cross-Border Competition
The potato market in Georgia is closely connected with neighboring countries.
Key influences include:
- imports from Russia
- early potatoes from Azerbaijan
- supply from Turkey, Pakistan, and Israel
Price drops in one country quickly affect trade flows and pricing in others. This creates significant market volatility, particularly in the early potato segment.
A critical issue highlighted is the lack of coordination among producers, which often leads to oversupply and price collapse during peak harvest periods.
Regional Branding: “Tsalka Potato”
Despite technological challenges, the region has a strong competitive advantage — product origin recognition.
For many consumers, the region matters more than the variety itself. “Tsalka potato” is already perceived as a local brand, creating opportunities for:
- geographical indication development
- value-added positioning
- export potential
Government Support and Limitations
Georgia offers several agricultural support programs, including subsidies covering up to 30% of machinery costs.
However, farmers still face key challenges:
- high equipment costs
- limited access to financing for small farms
- insufficient scale of support programs
As a result, modernization is progressing slowly and unevenly.
Social Dimension and Farmer Motivation
Potato farming in Tsalka remains largely a family-based activity.
As Karagezov notes, beyond economics, personal motivation plays a crucial role:
“I enjoy the process of growing.”
In a high-risk and volatile environment, this intrinsic motivation is often what keeps farmers in the industry.
Future Development Priorities
To transition from survival to sustainable growth, the sector needs:
- increased mechanization
- development of professional seed systems
- improved seed quality
- adoption of modern crop protection and nutrition technologies
- investment in storage infrastructure
- stronger cooperation among small-scale farmers
Tsalka has the agronomic and natural potential to significantly increase productivity and efficiency.
The Role of the International Potato Tour
The International Potato Tour serves as a platform for knowledge exchange across countries and regions, connecting farmers, agronomists, and industry stakeholders.
Its mission is not only to document real conditions in the field but also to foster dialogue and create new opportunities for collaboration.
Experience shows that such open formats are essential for identifying solutions and building partnerships in the global potato industry.
