23 november 2023 — 16:00
For heavy trucks that transport citrus fruits, additional lanes may appear on the border of Abkhazia and Russia. This was announced by the chairman of the State Customs Committee (SCC) of Abkhazia Otar Khetsia at a meeting in the Public Chamber of Abkhazia, informs TASS.
Despite the fact that tangerines and lemons are exported from the country from the end of September to March, the main peak falls on December. They are trying to export most of the citrus fruits to Russia for the New Year holidays. Therefore, if necessary, additional lanes will be opened at the border for trucks with tangerines in order to avoid queues.
Otar Khetsia stressed that on the eve of the citrus season, the leadership of the State Customs Committee of Abkhazia annually meets with participants in foreign economic activity engaged in the export of citrus fruits to find out what problems they face.
-This year, on our recommendation, up to 30 additional officials of the inspection staff were seconded to the Adler MAPP, additional windows were opened. If necessary, additional lines will be opened for heavy-duty vehicles engaged in the transportation of citrus fruits," the chairman of the State Customs Committee said.
He also announced some figures. So, since the end of September, 4.6 thousand tons of tangerines have been exported to the Russian Federation, which is 1.5 thousand tons more than last year in the same period.
- The main harvest is just beginning to be harvested, and I think that we will eventually get the 30 thousand tons of tangerines predicted by the Ministry of Agriculture. As it is known, 95% of the harvested crop is exported to the Russian Federation, the rest are sold in the republic," Khetsia said.
According to the Minister of Agriculture of Abkhazia Beslan Jopua, 80% of mandarins are collected in the private plots of residents of the republic and only 20% at three state-owned enterprises leased in Gulrypsh, Tkuarchal and Gal districts. As a rule, tangerines of good quality are exported. Citrus fruits that do not have a marketable appearance are thrown away, since there is no processing plant in the republic. The local authorities hope to resolve this issue after the opening of the enterprise in the village of Adzyubzha in the Ochamchyrsky district.