May 18 2007, 09:11 AgVANTAGE

Ample early cabbage harvest is expected in Georgia thanks to favorable agro-climatic conditions

According to AgVANTAGE specialists, this year ample harvest of early cabbage is expected thanks to favorable agro-climatic conditions. Early cabbage grown in Marneuli and Lagodekhi district came to the markets 10 days ago. Initially, supplies of early cabbage were small, but soon grew significantly. Since 15 May cabbage grown in Samtredi region has been steadily supplied to the wholesale markets of the West Georgia. Early Georgian cabbage takes up 20-30% of the market share. Next week its share on the local market is forecasted to reach 70-80%.

In Georgia early cabbage is produced on the area of 300-400 hectares. The key producer-regions are Kakheti (Lagodekhi) - 70-75%, Kvemo Kartli (Marneuli and Gardabani) - 20% and West Georgia (Samtredia) - 10%. Average production of early cabbage does not exceed 2500 tons, and this year it is expected to exceed 3000 tons.