Agriculture Minister: Goods produced at Phoka Nunnery serve as a prime example of domestic agricultural development

Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture Davit Songhulashvili has toured the production facilities at St Nino’s Nunnery in the village of Phoka, Ninotsminda Municipality, where he observed the dairy production methods carried out by the nuns.

Phoka Nunnery of St. Nino produces a variety of artisanal goods, gaining particular renown for its cheese production, which combines European techniques with local traditions.

“The cheeses, honey, and other produce crafted at Phoka Nunnery offer a fine demonstration of how domestic production can flourish. Our goal is to support the growth of high-quality local produce and solidify its standing in the market,” stated Davit Songhulashvili.

Nestled on the shores of Lake Paravani, Phoka Nunnery stands as one of Samtskhe-Javakheti’s key cultural and tourist landmarks. The convent produces a diverse range of items, including dairy products, honey, and handmade chocolates. Goods are sold in the nunnery’s local shop, where demand continues to rise alongside growing tourist traffic.

The Deputy Ministers, Giorgi Tskhrialashvili and Lasha Avaliani; the Head of the National Food Agency, Giorgi Iakobashvili; and the parliamentary delegate for the Akhalkalaki and Ninotsminda Municipalities, Samvel Manukyan, accompanied the Minister on the visit.