Students were at the Tsilkani Base of the Agricultural Scientific-Research Center

Students from the Agronomy Bachelor’s Program at the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Biosystem Engineering of Georgian Technical University, under the supervision of Associate Professor Ketevan Rokva, conducted a working visit to the Tsilkani branch of the Agricultural Scientific-Research Center.

The purpose of the visit was to deepen students’ theoretical knowledge through practical work, familiarize them with modern agrotechnological methods, and study the process of agronomic research activities firsthand at the site.

According to Associate Professor of the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Biosystem Engineering, during the visit, students were introduced to strategies for biodiversity conservation, modern approaches in viticulture and horticulture, as well as various research innovations carried out at the center.

Associate Professor Ketevan Rokva stated that the visit will contribute to the professional growth of students, the development of practical skills, and a better understanding of the real challenges and opportunities within the agricultural sector.

“It is very important for students to have the opportunity to connect theoretical knowledge with practical experience. The Tsilkani branch of the Agricultural Scientific-Research Center provides an ideal environment for this. Such visits increase students’ motivation, foster professional interest, and prepare future specialists for modern agronomic challenges. We believe that this kind of cooperation will make a significant contribution to the development of the agricultural sector and the training of young professionals,” said Ketevan Rokva.

During the visit, the students toured the In Vitro Plant Tissue Culture Laboratory. The laboratory head, young scientist Tekle Zakalshvili, provided information about the laboratory’s operation principles and the process of plant cell-level propagation. The students learned about the importance of the in vitro method for producing healthy and genetically stable seedlings, which is crucial for certification and the preservation of genetic resources.

The students also visited the Soil Research Laboratory named after Professor Ivane Sarishvili, which has been conducting comprehensive chemical and physical soil analyses since 2017.

 
“Students observed firsthand the processes necessary for determining soil fertility, content, and agricultural suitability, which are particularly important for assessing crop yields and environmental sustainability. During the visit, students also learned about the specifics of the Seed Quality Control Laboratory and observed the seed certification process. This included components such as laboratory testing of seed purity, moisture, and germination rates according to international standards. Additionally, the students toured a modern hydroponic greenhouse. This method represents one of the fastest-growing and most resource-efficient technologies in the agricultural sector and plays a significant role in promoting food safety and innovative farming,” said Ketevan Rokva.

The visit of the Agronomy Bachelor’s program students from the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Biosystem Engineering to the Agricultural Scientific-Research Center was conducted within the framework of a memorandum of understanding between Georgian Technical University and the center, which envisages long-term, systematic cooperation.

Based on this memorandum, similar educational and informative visits are regularly organized for students of various directions within the Agricultural Faculty, providing them with opportunities to gain direct insight into the sector’s real challenges, technological progress, and research-innovative activities.