Presidential Aide Unveils Strategic State Program for Agricultural Sector Development

Ismayilli: A new comprehensive State Program aimed at redefining the agricultural sector in Azerbaijan has been unveiled, marking a strategic shift in the nation's approach to agriculture. This announcement was made by Khalid Ahadov, the Assistant to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan for socio-economic issues, during a regional meeting for the Mountainous Shirvan economic region held in Ismayilli. The meeting was part of the 'State Program on the Development of Production and Processing Sectors of Agricultural, Fisheries and Aquaculture Products in the Republic of Azerbaijan for 2026-2030.'

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, despite previous efforts to boost the agricultural sector, the President expressed dissatisfaction with the stagnation observed in recent years. In response to the President's directives to the Presidential Administration and the Cabinet of Ministers, the new State Program has been developed as a strategic document. This comprehensive plan aims to redefine the development model for agriculture, enhance production efficiency, expand processing and export capabilities, and advance the fisheries and aquaculture sectors.

The primary focus of the program is to transition from merely increasing production volumes to achieving higher-quality and higher-yield outputs per hectare. The initiative emphasizes intensive development over extensive approaches. The State Program outlines goals for sustainable development in agricultural production from 2026 to 2030, aiming to strengthen food security, boost domestic production potential, and increase both productivity and export orientation. Additionally, the program seeks to develop value chains, expand farmers' access to modern agricultural services, and promote competitiveness within the agricultural sector.