Shamkir: Azerbaijan is aiming for a significant boost in its livestock sector by 2030, targeting a 10% increase in milk production and a 20% rise in beef output. Livestock farming is a key component of the State Program, which focuses on enhancing milk and beef production, increasing the share of pedigree animals, reducing import dependence, and boosting self-sufficiency levels, as outlined by Deputy Minister of Agriculture Ilhama Gadimova at a regional meeting for the Gazakh-Tovuz economic region. This meeting was dedicated to discussing the 'State Program for 2026-2030 on the Development of Agricultural, Fisheries and Aquaculture Production and Processing Sectors in the Republic of Azerbaijan,' APA reports.
According to Azeri-Press News agency, by 2030, Azerbaijan plans to increase milk production by 10% and beef production by 20%. The share of pedigree animals in herds is set to reach 10%, while milk imports are projected to decrease by 49.6% and beef imports by 40.2%. Self-sufficiency levels for milk and beef are expected to rise by 8.5% and 11.5%, respectively.
To achieve these objectives, the program intends to establish dairy and meat clusters, create approximately 1,000 new farms with varying capacities, and support the provision of pedigree breeding animals. The initiative also includes establishing 90 milk collection points and 15 hide collection points to foster production, supply, processing, and sales chains.
Animal identification for disease control, breeding activities, productivity monitoring, and transparent subsidy application is also emphasized. Furthermore, improving equipment and technologies for feed production is highlighted as crucial, as productivity relies on a robust feed base. The program plans to introduce subsidies for pedigree animals and livestock products to encourage farmers to adopt more productive animals and intensive farming models.
Ilhama Gadimova also revealed plans to increase sheep meat production by 9%, raise livestock numbers by 10%, enhance exports to 2.9 thousand tons, and improve self-sufficiency by 7% by 2030. This includes establishing 300 new semi-intensive sheep farms, transitioning to a more productive model, and establishing wool collection points and processing enterprises to add value to sheep farming by-products.
Feed production technology improvements and restoration of 480,000 hectares of pastures are also planned to ensure sustainable livestock farming. The drilling of 100 artesian wells is proposed to enhance drinking water provision for animals, particularly in areas with water shortages.
The program also envisions establishing an agropark to attract foreign investment in the sheep farming sector, leveraging modern management, technology, and market opportunities.
The successful implementation of this State Program requires active involvement from entrepreneurs and the private sector. Investment opportunities abound in silos, cold storage facilities, processing plants, and intensive horticulture and livestock farms, supported by favorable state mechanisms.
The 2026-2030 State Program marks a new stage in Azerbaijan's agricultural sector, focusing on efficiency and productivity. The region's resources and traditions offer significant potential, and the program aims to convert this potential into tangible results through organized efforts, state support, and private investment. The Ministry of Agriculture commits to ongoing stakeholder engagement and problem-solving measures to ensure the program's success.