From seed to salad, the agricultural system in the South Caucasus is a shadow of its past. While large scale agriculture is slowly being rebuilt across the region, most farmers are just a step above subsistence. Harvesting and selling these crops requires improvisation and personal relationship at every step. To understand the challenges and people behind this supply chain, Chaikhana profiled farmers and sellers of a simple vegetable - the humble eggplant - in each of the three countries.

There’s a myth that only potatoes will grow in the mountainous terrain of Kazbegi. “But it’s not true” said Kahka Djanukashvili, “I really wanted to prove it wrong.” Kahka Djanukashvili was one of the first villagers in Sno to plant new crops that could fetch a premium price. It’s been a good year and he’s optimistic about his own prospects. He also knows he’s something of an exception.