Baku: The agrarian sector holds an important place as one of the priority areas in Azerbaijan's sustainable socio-economic development strategy, Niyazi Amirbayov, chairman of the Azerbaijan Grain Producers and Processors Association (AGPPA), told APA.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, Amirbayov emphasized that the remarks made by President Ilham Aliyev at a recent meeting focused on the agricultural sector, coupled with the approved 'State Program on the Development of Production and Processing of Agricultural, Fishery and Aquaculture Products in the Republic of Azerbaijan for 2026-2030,' set the stage for a new era in the country's agrarian policies.
Amirbayov highlighted that the new State Program is designed not only to facilitate agricultural development in response to modern challenges but also to boost the sector's competitiveness. It aims to expedite the shift to an intensive farming model that generates high added value and to bolster the country's food security by enhancing local production capabilities.
The association chairman pointed out that the State Program emphasizes not just increasing agricultural production volumes but also enhancing quality metrics. Improving productivity, optimizing the use of water and land resources, and creating a sustainable production system to satisfy both domestic and international market demands are key priorities.
Amirbayov also noted that the strategies unveiled during the meeting indicate a broader application of innovation, technology, and science-based management principles in the agrarian sector in the forthcoming years.
He further stated that advancing grain farming and achieving greater wheat self-sufficiency are primary objectives. The plan includes increasing the average wheat yield to 50 centners by 2030 through initiatives in specialized districts.
According to the AGPPA chairman, achieving this goal will involve strengthening measures to introduce modern irrigation systems, utilize agricultural lands more effectively, and restore land resources. Additionally, constructing grain silos and improving the supply chain will help minimize product losses, broaden market access for farmers, and enhance the sector's added value.
"This comprehensive program, which marks the transition from traditional farming to a modern and technological production model, will significantly boost economic activity in the regions, create new job opportunities, and enhance the social welfare of rural communities. The new State Program will facilitate the more efficient use of the country's land, water, and human capital resources, serving as a crucial strategic roadmap for sustainable economic development," Amirbayov concluded.