Demonstration Day on Pest Management Techniques in Ochamchira

On July 30, in Sheshelet, Ochamchira District, Action Against Hunger organised a demonstration day for farmers on the main principles of the attract and kill method for fighting against the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB). The event was organised within the framework of the project “Promoting integrated approaches to animal health and plant protection in Abkhazia” with funding from the Austrian Development Cooperation.

The large turnout shows the scale of interest in the issue and the degree of awareness of the local population: farmers from 22 communities from three districts of Abkhazia participated, totalling more than 100 participants. The event was also attended by representatives of the Plant Protection Department, the Institute of Ecology and district agricultural departments. Local television was also at the location.

Guram Rezesidze, Action Against Hunger agronomist, explained to the audience the activities that constitute the main component of the attract and kill method and that took place on the experimental plot over the previous months: the use of pheromone lures to attract BMSBs, when and how to spray, what safety measures to adopt and other techniques like pruning, soil fertilization and treatments against fungal diseases that contribute to the orchard’s health. Copies of a Integrated Pest Management handbook, printed with funds from the project, were also distributed among participants.

Vladimir Geria, Head of the Plant Protection Service, was optimistic about the next harvest: “In comparison with the past years, the situation is positive, and the hazelnut yield is high. There are areas where up to 90% of the harvest has been saved, but there are also areas where the percentage may be below 50% – this suggests that we should persist with the implementation of treatments.”

Throughout 2019, four Demo Days have been organised by Action Against Hunger in Abkhazia, gathering more than 350 farmers from five districts. At each of these events, participants had a chance to familiarise themselves with pest and orchard management techniques promoted by Action Against Hunger, besides directly observing the results in the plots that are utilizing them. Two more demonstrations will be organised before the end of the agricultural season.

The project started in early 2018 and aims to improve the quality of services provided by the local Plant Protection Department and the Veterinary Service Department in Abkhazia. Both institutions are very important, as a large share of the rural population relies heavily on agriculture for their household income.