Blueberries offer strong economic potential but also require more advanced and precise irrigation systems than traditional crops. The need is especially urgent in the Guria region, where few farmers have adopted climate-smart irrigation systems. The knowledge gap is particularly wide among smallholder farmers, who make up the majority of agricultural producers in the area.
“This automated irrigation system has been a blessing,” says Irodion Donadze, a smallholder farmer from the village of Natanebi in Guria. “We live in Ozurgeti, but our plantation is 17 kilometers away. Without this system, we would have to drive there twice a day to water the blueberries. Now the system runs on a schedule—it turns on and off automatically. Even during power outages, solar panels keep it running. We've seen so many benefits that we want to share this knowledge with our neighbors and lighten their workload.”
The decision to grow blueberries wasn’t easy. “It was my idea from the beginning,” says Irodion’s wife, Tea Kupradze. “He was against it at first. I understand—neither of us knew how to cultivate blueberries or care for them properly. Plus, we had no money and had to take out an agricultural loan.”
Their success story is built around an innovative smart irrigation system that uses real-time data to control water and fertilizer distribution based on the actual needs of the crop. The system can be operated remotely, reducing manual labor and improving the timing of watering and fertilizing. The result is healthier plants and increased yields.
Determined to share what they’ve learned, Irodion and Tea began organizing information sessions for local farmers and others interested in agriculture. The couple is encouraging more farmers to grow blueberries, believing that a larger number of producers will make it easier to attract buyers and facilitate exports. Their initiative is supported by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) through its project “Modernization of Vocational Education and Training (VET) Related to Agriculture in Georgia” project.
“We’ve held two meetings so far, reaching 23 farmers. We also donated some fertilizer and nutrients, since many of them are just starting out with blueberries,” Irodion explains. “My goal is to involve young people from Ozurgeti and Chokhatauri in both the meetings and practical work. Blueberries are more cost-effective to grow than traditional crops like nuts or tea, and I want to help promote that.”
Their sessions aim to raise awareness about climate-smart irrigation systems for blueberry farming. They demonstrate working systems, share water management techniques, and promote sustainable agricultural practices. Hands-on workshops teach farmers how to install, operate, and maintain the systems themselves.
Irodion plans to expand outreach across Guria by working with local cooperatives, community leaders, and agricultural extension services. He also plans to use social media, local radio, and direct invitations to attract farmers to demonstration events and training sessions.
“I believe my efforts will pay off,” he says. “At least 30 to 35 farmers from Ozurgeti, Chokhatauri, and Lanchkhuti will become interested in smart blueberry farming, and 10 farmers who already have orchards will improve their productivity and management.”
Building awareness and expertise in climate-smart, remotely operated irrigation will strengthen the resilience of blueberry farming in Guria—helping local farmers adapt to climate change while running efficient, profitable, and environmentally friendly operations.
