Farmers growing vegetables in greenhouses in Azerbaijan complain about dishonest officials who do not allow them to earn money. The costs of greenhouse farming are higher than the profits, so farmers are drowning in debt. The market is monopolized by officials, so producers cannot sell their crops at high prices.
Last year, Azerbaijan produced 141.4 thousand tons of tomatoes, exported for $167 million. Russia is the only external market. However, the share of Azerbaijani tomatoes in the Russian markets is shrinking due to rejections caused by pests.
Farmers need government support in the form of long-term subsidized loans and subsidies.
Experts believe it is necessary to expand exports to other countries and eliminate dependence on Russia. Azerbaijan requires preferential trade and economic liberalization agreements to create a healthy competitive environment and produce products that meet European standards.
Source: jam-news.net