Azernews.Az

By Leman Mammadova

Azerbaijan aims to develop grain growing in order to ensure the population's bread and flour demand, as well as the raw material base for the food industry, livestock and poultry feed bases.

Association of Grain Producers and Processors has been established in Azerbaijan. The association was created at the initiative of grain producers and processors with the support of the Ministries of Economy, Agriculture, and the National Confederation of Entrepreneurs’ (Employers’) Organizations.

The board of Association of Grain Producers and Processors includes nine people from Azersun, Gilan Holding, Karat Holding, Neon, Agro Dairy, Baku Grain Terminal, Yalama Agropark, Karabakh Taxil, and Modern Group. The head of Karat Holding, Taleh Gasimov, was elected the Chairman of the Association.

Speaking at the event dedicated to the establishment of the Association, Deputy Minister of Economy Sahib Mammadov noted that about 30 sectoral associations have been created in the country, and the ministry supports people working in the field of grain production.

In his words, the main task of creating associations is to ensure closer cooperation with government agencies, identify deficiencies in a particular industry, and provide state assistance.

Mammadov also noted that the state has allocated preferential loans in the amount of 162 million manats ($95 million) for the creation of 24 modern agroparks in Azerbaijan, which include the cultivation of grain.

He further stressed that the agricultural sector is exempt from all taxes, except for land tax, until 2024.

Deputy minister added that for the fuel and engine oils used for perennial planting, 50 manats ($29) of subsidies are allocated from the state budget for each hectare. In addition, grain producers receive 40 manats ($23.5) of subsidies per hectare.

The grain production in Azerbaijan exceeded 3 million tons in 2018, and the yield is 30 centners per hectare. The farmers’ competent attitude to the care for the new crop, the selection of high-quality seeds in seed farms, the introduction of new irrigation technologies, the application of fertilizers and herbicides against rodents and weeds play a great role in this issue.

In 2018, Azerbaijan imported more than 1 million tons of wheat worth $205.967. According to the State Customs Committee, the imports decreased by 193,528 tons or 15.2 percent in annual comparison, the cost - by $21,200 or 9.3 percent. Wheat imports accounted for 1.8 percent of the country's total imports.

Azerbaijan can develop grain growing by intensive ways, in particular, by attracting new and innovative technologies, which will increase productivity, as well as by building the appropriate infrastructure and improving human resources.

At the same time, implementing agro-technical measures, conducting researches for determining the areas of crops and ensuring the timely collection and preservation of these products are of significant importance for improving the quality of local grains.

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

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