Agriculture, which remains one of the most profitable and fast-growing sectors in Azerbaijan's economy, is regarded as the major alternative to petrodollars. The country is sparing no effort to improve the sector and solve the problems existing in it.
Agriculture Minister, Heydar Asadov, said that the ministry has already submitted certain proposals on the proper use of lands, meant for the cultivation of agricultural production, for the consideration of the government.
Agricultural lands often remain uncultivated and enclosed. In this context, the ministry of agriculture and other authorized institutions of the country will implement the monitoring of lands.
Azerbaijan possesses about 4.8 million hectares of agricultural land, which comprises over 50 percent of its total territory, some 39.6 percent of which is arable.
Asadov said that one of the main tasks of the ministry in the near-term outlook is tackling the problem of a shortage of seeds.
“Work is currently underway on the purchase of seeds of vegetables, wheat and fertilizers. We will soon launch work on the creation of a large vegetable-growing base in the country. Cultivation of wheat, corn and other agricultural production will be implemented in Salyan this year,” he said.
Moreover, the ministry will also create agrochemical laboratories in some 12 regions of the country. The minister said that a tender has already been held in this regard.
Laboratories are expected to perform analysis of food products, animal feed, soil, fertilizers, as well as contaminant analyses, such as of pesticide residues and remains of drugs, metals, mycotoxins, nitrates and nitrites.
Being one of the leading producers of agricultural goods in the CIS, Azerbaijan seeks to further develop its agriculture and food industry for import substitution, as well as for export.
Source: azernews.az
