At least 15,000 tonnes of mandarins are wasted in Georgia every year, according to Vazha Mkurnalidze, director of Agroinvest Service, who considers state subsidies for non-standard fruit an inefficient use of public funds.
Speaking to BM.GE, Mkurnalidze said government support should instead focus on replacing outdated citrus varieties, improving farming practices, and developing cold storage and processing facilities.
He noted that limited storage capacity and seasonal oversupply force farmers to sell their produce quickly, with large quantities spoiling after the New Year.
Mkurnalidze believes expanding cold storage could extend the sales season by two to three months, while investment in modern orchards and logistics would help improve fruit quality and reduce waste.
He also highlighted weak global demand for mandarin concentrate, which makes processing less profitable without subsidies.
According to Mkurnalidze, redirecting state funding toward long-term infrastructure and orchard modernization would provide greater economic benefits for Georgia’s citrus sector.
