Azernews.Az

By Leman Mammadova

Seed Exchange project, through which country's agriculture sphere will enter a new development stage, will begin soon.

Currently, preparations are underway in Azerbaijan to establish a seed exchange, the head of the Seed Fund, Emin Aliyev, told Report.

“We are currently studying foreign experience, application of this experience as well as exchanging ideas,” Aliyev emphasized.

The ministry official noted that, mainly the West European experience will be studied in the creation of the Seed Exchange.

Seed Exchange is an online project that will be a single tool and using this Internet application, farmers, producers and seed companies will be able to choose seeds, carry freight, insure, review resumes and select consultants for agrotechnical consulting, and later even apply for trade financing or lending. It will play the role of a single platform for producers and importers of seeds, individuals and legal entities engaged in seed production.

Agriculture is important for providing ecological balance, raising the level of socio-economic development in rural areas and protecting rural lifestyle, although its primary function is to produce foodstuffs and raw materials.

The revival of agriculture sector plays an important role in the development of rural regions, where 47 percent of Azerbaijan’s population lives. Azerbaijan is in need of quality seeds to grow its own products on order to both meet local demand and increase exports.

The State Seed Fund was established due to the country's increased need for new high-yielding and drought-resistant types of seeds, and in order to strengthen food security and state support for agricultural development of Azerbaijan in general.

This year, the Fund also envisages the implementation of the “ToxuMart “ project, as well as the creation of its network stands in various parts of Baku.

Recently, the Agriculture Minister of Azerbaijan signed a protocol with Turkey in order to cooperate in the seed production. The goal of the bilateral agreement is to ensure efficiency and innovation in the agricultural sector.

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Leman Mammadova is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @leman_888

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