Construction begins on National Gene Bank in Jighaura to preserve Georgia’s rich agrobiodiversity

At the initiative of the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, construction of a National Gene Bank has commenced at the Jighaura base of the Scientific-Research Centre of Agriculture.

According to a statement released by the Ministry of Environmental Protection, the creation of a National Gene Bank marks a major step forward in protecting and preserving plant genetic resources in Georgia.

“Georgia stands out globally for its rich agrobiodiversity; indigenous Georgian grapevines, wheat species, fruit crops, and other agricultural varieties constitute a unique genetic resource. Safeguarding these resources is critical to addressing climate change and ensuring global food security.

The National Gene Bank will feature modern infrastructure built to international standards, facilitating the medium- and long-term storage, conservation, and research of plant genetic resources of both national and global significance. The project will substantially strengthen the country’s capabilities in safeguarding agrobiodiversity and food security, while further consolidating Georgia’s standing within the international plant genetic resource conservation network,” the Ministry of Environmental Protection stated.