The Importance of Windbreaks Discussed with Farmers in Dedoplistskaro Municipality
The Chairman of the National Agency for Sustainable Land Management and Land Use Monitoring, Giorgi Misheladze, along with the Mayor of Dedoplistskaro Municipality, Nikoloz Janiashvili, held a meeting with farmers from the villages of Zemo Machkhaani and Dedoplistskaro.
The discussion focused on the ecological and economic significance of windbreaks (field protection), along with the current situation in the municipality. Farmers shared their personal experiences and highlighted the challenges they face due to the degradation and loss of windbreaks on their land. In the context of climate change, the restoration, cultivation, maintenance, and protection of windbreaks are seen as crucial steps to preserving soil fertility and improving agricultural productivity.
Participants noted that widespread soil erosion, largely caused by the illegal removal of windbreaks, has led to a significant decline in crop yields. Although illegal logging is less widespread than it was in the 1990s, it remains a serious threat—along with uncontrolled livestock grazing and the harmful practice of burning fields, both of which contribute to the continued destruction of windbreaks.
During the meeting, the “State Program for the Restoration, Cultivation, and Management of Windbreaks” was also reviewed. Attendees emphasized the need to revise the program to make it more adaptable and effective.
Currently, 1,306.12 ha of windbreaks are officially registered in Dedoplistskaro Municipality, of which approximately 80% has been destroyed. Windbreaks are currently being developed on only around 2% of the protected agricultural land. At full restoration, the 1,306.12 ha of windbreaks would serve to protect an estimated 65,306 ha of agricultural land.
