Organic food production may be launched in country
By Nigar Abbasova
A new farming enterprise on production of ecologically clean products may be established in Azerbaijan.
The measure is reflected in the Strategic Road Map for the manufacture and processing of agricultural products in the country.
Relevant agencies will initially examine the possibility of creation of such enterprise in the country. Further, the work will be implemented for the production of fertilizers, should the establishment of the institution is found reasonable. Motivational measures are also planned to be implemented to enlarge the area suitable for the cultivation of such products.
Besides, some 5 “green shops” and 50 “farmer’s markets” are planned to be organized in large cities and regions of the country by 2020. The establishment of such specialized stores is deemed to be one of the main factors of food security that will allow the country to provide its population with organic and ecologically clean products.
Also, meat production will be increased by 20 percent, milk – by 30 percent, the volume of cotton production and its processing – fourfold.
The country has a self-sufficiency ratio for fresh fruit and vegetables and is keen on developing grain production to fully ensure self-sufficiency in the product and export it to the third countries.
Ensuring food security is one of the country's strategic goals, while one of the key elements of this concept is to eliminate dependence on foodstuff imports.
The country currently ranks the 57th among 113 countries of the world according to the Global Food Security Index 2016, while the highest scores are recorded on such indicators as the presence of food safety net programs, low level of food loss, food safety, access to financing for farmers.
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Nigar Abbasova is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @nigyar_abbasova
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