Shamkir: A regional meeting on agricultural development in the Gazakh-Tovuz economic region was held in Shamkir to support implementation of the State Program for the Development of Agricultural, Fisheries, and Aquaculture Production and Processing Sectors in the Republic of Azerbaijan for 2026-2030. The meeting focused on carrying out instructions issued by President Ilham Aliyev during a May 25 conference on agriculture and ensuring coordinated implementation of the program across the regions.

According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, Natig Amirov, Assistant to the President and Head of the Department of Economic Policy and Industrial Issues of the Presidential Administration, outlined the program's main objectives. Amirov noted that recent agricultural reforms have delivered significant results and that the new program marks the next stage of agricultural development.

Deputy Agriculture Minister Ilhama Gadimova said the program includes five strategic goals, five priority areas, 16 directions of activity, and 86 measures. Key priorities include expanding intensive orchards, increasing wheat yields, promoting modern irrigation systems, developing agro-parks and greenhouses, supporting small-scale winemaking, and advancing intensive livestock farming.

Officials also highlighted plans to improve water management through wider use of pivot, drip, and sprinkler irrigation systems. Deputy Chairman of the Azerbaijan State Water Resources Agency, Ilham Bayramov, emphasized the importance of reliable water supply for sustainable agricultural growth. He noted that major reservoirs, irrigation networks, and thousands of artesian wells have been developed over the past two decades.

Shamkir District Executive Head Rashad Tagiyev presented the region's agricultural achievements, citing strong performance in grain production, potato farming, fruit growing, viticulture, and greenhouse cultivation. Farmers and entrepreneurs from Shamkir, Tovuz, Gazakh, and Aghstafa also shared views on production opportunities, challenges, and future prospects, expressing confidence that the new state program will help boost productivity and output.

Participants agreed that the recommendations raised during the meeting will be submitted to relevant government agencies and taken into account during implementation of the program.