Agrarian Technologies and New Digital Products – BTU Hosts Panel Discussion as part of ‘Initiative 5.0’

International AgriTech panel discussion organized by the University of Business and Technology within the framework of the International Panel Discussion Series “Initiative 5.0”.

Tamta Mamulaidze, an affiliate professor at BTU, presented a study on “Agrarian Technologies and Policy for Overcoming Challenges in the Sector” at the event.

In addition to presenting the research, panel discussions by BTU partner organizations, researchers, public and private sector representatives participated in the panel discussions:

• Tamta Mamulaidze – Affiliated Professor at BTU;
• Tamar Toria – Executive Director of the Georgian Farmers Association;
• Khatia Tsilosani – Member of Parliament;
• Ketevan Chumburidze – USAID Project “Growth”, Head;
• Tusia Gharibashvili – Founder of SpaceFarms;
• Luiza Namicheishvili – USAID Agricultural Development Program Manager.

“Such panel discussions are always very interesting, because there is an exchange of information that we were not aware of before. The direction of agro-technologies has become very important, especially recently – when the pandemic situation accelerated the development of digital technologies. Rural agriculture is very important for the young generation and the number of young farmers in this field is growing from year to year. Therefore, it is important for each stakeholder to work on the development of digital technologies to facilitate business transactions, product sales and communication with industry specialists through various channels, ”said Tamar Toria, Executive Director of the Georgian Farmers’ Association.

“Dialogue is necessary, first of all, because of the coordination between the parties involved – the public and private sectors, donors, stakeholders. Discussions allow us to believe in the investments we have made as well as the experience we have gained. However, it is important to demonstrate with concrete examples, as it is difficult to visualize in the farm sector. In order for people working in the agrarian sector to see the potential of the field, we need to demonstrate specific digital products and share existing experiences. The introduction of technology in the agricultural sector is critical, because, on the other hand, it is impossible to develop the sector, “said Ketevan Chumburidze, USAID Executive Director;

The conference “Initiative 5.0” aims to share international expertise and the latest trends, achievements or research results in all sectors that contribute to the development of digital economy and digital governance in Georgia. 

According to the Strategic Development Plan of the University of Business and Technology, the University aims to participate in the development of Georgia’s digital economy, integrate technology in various business sectors, promote sustainable development and support the country’s innovative ecosystem. To implement this plan, a few months ago the University launched the project “Initiative 5.0”, which combines strategically important sectors in the country, in the form of various studies, projects and events. These areas are: Femtech, MediaTek, Law Technologies, Financial Technologies, Education Technologies, Health Technologies, Green Technologies, Entrepreneurship, Culture Technologies, Agrarian Technologies, etc.

The Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted the need to integrate innovation and modern technology into different areas and to share the international experience that will assist the country in this process. 

The series of panel discussions “Initiative 5.0” will be held from June 28 to July 1 at the University of Business and Technology.