The growing demand for healthy food and the popularization of organic production motivated Giorgi Demurashvili to start a biohumus business. In parallel with his teaching activities, he has been enthusiastically working on environmental issues for 20 years, and raising bio-awareness in the region is among his priority plans.
- How did your business story begin, what motivated you to start this business?
I first learned about California worms and biohumus 7-8 years ago during a working visit of an NGO, where they talked about the importance of worms in increasing soil fertility, product quality, and yield. As a representative of an environmental organization, I immediately became interested in this issue. In 2018, as part of one of the projects, I conducted a survey among farmers in the Kvemo Kartli region to see how much information they had about organic fertilizers, and the following year I met with them in all municipalities of the region to exchange information. That's how my business began.
- The path from the beginning to the present, expectations and reality…
In 2020, I became the winner of a grant program. Within the framework of this program, I renovated the building and garage in my yard, purchased worms and various equipment, subscribed to 10,000 eggs (cocoons), and after 2 months I already had additional worms.
I started production in 2021 with about 4,000 worms. In two years, their number increased to 40,000. Currently, I have about 60,000 units (40–45 kg).
I produce 300–350 kg. of sifted biohumus per month. The main customers are local farmers and family farms. A major customer is the enterprise “Agro Leader 2020”. At the initial stage, I am concentrating on winegrowers in Bolnisi and surrounding areas, and at the next stage I will also support fruit, vegetable and grain producers in other regions and international markets.
As for expectations, the number of worms was growing slowly, which was due to mistakes made due to inexperience and the lack of proper conditions. Due to the lack of my own territory, I have a problem finding an investor, grant or loan. I was refused a land lease from the state, so I am trying to purchase a plot with my own funds in order to be able to expand production according to European standards.
- What do you offer to customers?
Clean fertilizer – biohumus, which is a product of the processing of manure and other organic waste by worms. It promotes soil reclamation and restoration of its structure for several years, accelerates plant growth and increases soil fertility by 30–70%. Biohumus neutralizes heavy metals and nitrates in the soil.
At this stage, we have biohumus only in dry, loose form. After expanding production, we will have granules and liquid humates. In a few years, we will also offer the worms themselves to fishermen. In the event of building a factory, I would like to make a bottling line for humic acids.
- Why your product/service? What is unique about your business?
Our products are of the highest quality. Last year, we conducted a laboratory study of samples and it was determined that the products fully comply with international standards. In addition, we offer the products in a filtered form, without any impurities.
- What does it mean to you to be in business? Why this business in particular, what do you like about this field?
Being in business for me means the opportunity for self-realization and spiritual and material satisfaction. I have always tried to do useful work for society. Taking care of the environment and reducing growing ecological problems is the duty of all of us. Through my work, I contribute to improving the structure of the soil and help farmers produce abundant, healthy, ecologically clean products.
- What is your energy source?
A strong desire to build a systematic business. Problems often seem insurmountable, but you still continue to move towards your goal.
- What would you advise the young "me"?
I have always been a perfectionist. I spent a lot of time studying a matter in depth and collecting information, which took a lot of effort and I could not take any action. Therefore, I would tell myself: knowledge and action should follow each other. New knowledge should be immediately implemented in practice, its effectiveness should be tested, and based on this experience, new knowledge should be added.
- What is the first thing that comes to mind when you hear BPN Georgia? What does BPN Georgia mean to you personally?
First of all, an extraordinary team with their human and professional qualities and always businesslike, calm and friendly attitude. BPN Georgia is a place where I can develop my skills, establish new business contacts and share knowledge and experience with them.
- Your main message to other businesspeople. What would you advise them to do…
Georgian businessmen need to learn to think systematically, set realistic goals, and move purposefully toward them. This requires learning, implementing new technologies, and collaborating.
