Monthly Information Bulletin

May Agriculture 2019 in

• Agricultural production indicators

• Agricultural market

• State support to agriculture

• Extension services

• News Agricultural production indicators

On January-May 2019, total volume of agricultural products increased by 6.7% compared with the same period (Picture 1).

Picture 1. The index of physical volume of agricultural products comparable prices, compared with the last year

52.0

24.9

8.5 6.7 2.9 2.5

Agriculture overall Plant-growing Cattle-breeding 2019 January-May 2018 January-May

Source: State Statistics Committee

Total volume of agricultural products in factual prices was 1.95 billion manats, either 80.6% (1.6 billion manats) was in the cattle-breeding or 19.4% (378.3 million manats) was in the plant-growing sector. On January-May 2019, amount of added value in agriculture, forestry and fishery accounted for 3.7% of GDP(Picture 2).

Picture 2. Share of agriculture, forestry and fishery

3.7

3.5

2019 January-May 2018 January-May

Source: State Statistics Committee

2 The volume of all agricultural products (except green tea leaves) increased on January-May, 2019 (Schedule 1).

Schedule 1. Agricultural production

Compared with the January-May January-May Product Name Measure same period last year, 2019 2018 %

Meat (live weight) thousand tons 201.4 195.3 +3.1

Milk thousand tons 845.9 829.1 +2.0 Egg mln units 765.5 741.8 +3.2 Wool thousand tons 12.2 11.8 +3.1 Grain thousand tons 155.0 71.7 +2.2 t. (excl.grain maize) Potato thousand tons 172.5 135.4 +27.3 Vegetable thousand tons 247.4 217.0 +14.0 Fruits and berries thousand tons 16.6 13.1 +26.7 Green tea leaves tons 321.4 353.2 -9.0

Source: State Statistics Committee

3 As of June 1, it was planted spring plants on 412.7 thousand hectares (Schedule 2).

Schedule 2. Sown area under spring plants, ha

Current year compared 2019 2018 with the last year, %

Total spring sowings 412728.6 438989.6 94.0

Cereals and legumes (excl. grain maize), from: 39229.5 40304.6 97.3

wheat 7449.0 3445.1 216.2

oats 5446.6 4625.0 117.8

paddy 2934.9 3664.6 80.1

Grain maize - total: 33136.3 32370.5 102.4

including grain 31778.3 29999.3 105.9

Fodder root crops 1.5 5.0 30.0

Total of current shadeless perennial grasses 64904.2 59104.8 109.8 including last year’s autumn planting:

Cotton 100111.7 130065.3 77.0

Sunflower for seed 16310.5 10788.9 151.2

Tobacco 2911.7 3379.4 86.2

Potato 56803.8 59156.1 96.0

Vegetable-total 67704.3 67441.9 100.4

Watermelons and melons 21154.6 20365.7 103.9

Sugarbeet (for processing) 7345.9 8952.4 82.1

Annual grass 1673.6 1694.5 98.8

Other sowing spring crops 1441.0 5360.5 26.9

Source: State Statistics Committee

4 Agricultural market

On January-May 2019, agricultural products were exported in term of value 325.9 million USD. The volume of agricultural exports increased by 41.1 % in terms of value compared with the same period last year (Picture 3).

Picture 3. Exports of agricultural products, million USD

325.9

230.9

2019 January-May 2018 January-May Source: State Customs Committee

Export indicators of agricultural products with comparable period are shown in Schedule 3.

Schedule 3. Export of agricultural products

Compared with the January-May 2019 January-May, 2018 same period last year, % Product Name quantity value quantity value by quantity by value (tons) (mln USD) (tons) (mln USD)

Potato 52453.9 22.7 44387.1 19.8 118.2 114.9 Vegetable 123002.3 118.3 101251.91 104.2 121.5 113.5 Fruit 76190.4 100.0 55663.8 65.8 136.9 152.0 Barley 16120.7 2.7 4654.1 0.9 3.5 t. 3.0 t. Tobacco 2515.7 5.8 1446.0 4.6 174.0 125.4 Cotton fiber 47955.4 68.7 16641.1 25.9 2.9 t. 2.7 t. Raw leather 2995.3 5.0 2470.1 6.4 121.3 77.8 Raw silk 11.0 0.4 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 Animal x 2.2 x 3.3 x 68.1 products* Total x 325.9 x 230.9 x 141.1 Source: State Customs Committee * The amount of meat, milk and cream, wool, natural honey, bird eggs, and livestock includes in animal products.

5 Current year on May, the wholesale price of “Palmet” sort of apple, “Meshe gozeli” sort of pear, lemon (Lankaran) and onion (Barda) has increased relative compared with the last month, the others have been either low or stable (Schedule 4).

Schedule 4. The wholesale price of agricultural products changed on May compared with the last month (in manat)

April May April May Name Difference Name Difference 2019 2019 2019 2019

Fruit Simerenko Dushes 0.80 0.75 -6.3% 2.50 2.50 0.0% Qrani Smit Meshe gozeli Apple 1.40 1.40 0.0% 2.40 2.50 4.2% Pear Palmet Krasavitsa 0.60 0.80 33.3% 2.50 2.50 0.0% Jalilabad Konfrans Strawberry 3.50 1.40 -60.0% 1.90 1.90 0.0% Lankaran Lemon Orange 0.15 0.20 33.3% 1.40 1.50 7.1% Vegetable Jalilabad Barda Onion 0.80 0.58 -27.5% 0.22 0.40 81.8% Potato Fresh potato Melit 0.80 0.58 -27.5% 0.70 0.40 -42.9% Baki Barda 1.70 0.50 -70.6% 0.80 0.25 -68.8% Zira Patron Cucumber 2.30 0.50 -78.3% 1.10 0.60 -45.5% Tomato Salyan Yelpanak 1.40 0.45 -67.9% 0.90 0.30 -66.7% Chahrayi Tikanli 1.60 0.60 -62.5% 0.90 0.40 -55.6% Aghdash Green Cabbage Pepper 1.10 0.35 -68.2% 3.00 1.80 -40.0% Local Tovuz Garlic Carrot 2.00 0.25 -87.5% 0.80 0.60 -25.0%

Source: Ministry of Agriculture (www.aqrarbazar.az)

6 The wholesale price of potato (Calilabad), carrot (Tovuz), “Golden delishes” sort of apple increased on May compared with the same period last year, the wholesale price of the most agricultural products remained low and stable (Schedule 5).

Schedule 5. The wholesale price of agricultural products on May, 2019 compared with May of last year (in manat)

May May May May Name Difference Name Difference 2018 2019 2018 2019

Fruit Simerenko Konfrans 1.60 0.75 -53.1% 4.20 1.90 -54.8% Pear Qrani Smit Meshe gozeli 1.50 1.40 -6.7% 2.50 2.50 0.0% Apple Golden delishes Jalilabad Strawberry 0.70 1.40 100.0% 3.00 1.40 -53.3%

Palmet Greengage Local 1.20 0.80 -33.3% plum 2.80 1.50 -46.4% Local Turkey Apricot Lemon 5.00 3.50 -30.0% 0.30 0.15 -50.0% Vegetable Aghdam Jalilabad Barda Onion yellow Potato 0.33 0.58 75.8% 0.22 0.40 Shamkir (fresh) Green 0.80 0.58 -27.5% 2.00 1.80 -10.0% Pepper Egg- Local Hot plant 2.20 1.00 -54.5% 3.50 2.70 -22.9% Aghdash Melit Cabbage 0.35 0.35 0.0% 0.80 0.40 -50.0% Zira Patron Cucumber 2.00 0.50 -75.0% 1.00 0.60 -40.0% Salyan Tikanli 1.00 0.45 -55.0% 1.50 0.40 -73.3% Tomato Baki Local Garlic 2.00 0.50 -75.0% 0.80 0.25 -68.8% Chahrayi Tovuz Carrot 1.30 0.60 -53.8% 0.55 0.60 9.1%

Source: Ministry of Agriculture (www.aqrarbazar.az)

7 State support to agriculture

303 agricultural machineries to 115 individuals and legal entities have been sold by “Agroleasing” OJSC during five months of 2019. During this period, 608 agricultural machineries to 23 legal and 275 individuals and entities have been sold by means of 21 suppliers by Agency for Agro Credit and Development (Schedule 6).

Schedule 6. Agricultural machineries granted on lease (unit)

Sum It was leased within Name of machinery January-May, 2019 (2005 – 31.05.2019)

Total 34797 1172

Wheat combine-harvester 1047 163

Cotton combine-harvester 222 0

Tractor 10409 286

Other machineries 23119 723

Source: Ministry of Agriculture

Mineral fertilizers in the amount of 81.73 thousand tons and 146.5 thousand liters pesticides have been sold by “Agroleasing” OJSC in the course of January- May, 2019. Agency for Agro Credit and Development gave 8.8 million manats of preferential credits for 11 legal entities and 208 individuals who are working in the agricultural sector of 52 regions of the country in order to develop agriculture over January- May, 2019. As a result of giving preferential credits, 231 temporary and permanent workplaces have been opened.

8 Extension services in agriculture

On May 2019, 222 trainings were conducted for agricultural producers involved 3659 people in 57 regions in accordance with the “Action Plan for extension services” in the Ministry of Agriculture (Schedule 7).

Schedule 7. Statistics trainings conducted by Ministry of Agriculture

Total May, 2019 Training institutions (01.01.2019-31.05.2019) Trainings Participiants Trainings Participiants General State Technical Inspection Service 230 3,733 45 691 The State Veterinary Service 102 1,224 30 405 RI of Cattle-breeding 82 1,550 41 621 Azerbaijan State Agricultural University 70 1,431 41 727 RI of Plant-growing 57 1,263 5 101

“Agroleasing” OJSC 32 941 1 27

RI for Vegetable Growing 29 472 5 69 RI of Viticulture and Winemaking 25 383 2 28 Ganja Agricultural and Innovation Center 23 285 4 46 RI of Plant Protection and Technical Crops 22 505 0 0 Agro Research Center (ARC) 22 875 1 6 RI for Fruit and Tea Growing 20 451 1 19 State Phytosanitary Service 18 359 16 315 Agency for Agro Credit and Development 18 534 0 0 Beylegan Agricultural and Innovation Center 14 210 6 88 Salyan Agricultural and Innovation Center 11 245 4 64 Terter Agricultural and Innovation Center 11 252 5 76 Registration of Plant Species and Seed Control 10 214 2 72 Lankaran Agricultural and Innovation Center 10 277 2 49 Guba Agricultural and Innovation Center 9 214 1 16 Shaki Agricultural and Innovation Center 9 177 3 60 State Agro Trade Company 5 200 0 0 RI of Veterinary 4 107 2 49 Kurdemir Agricultural and Innovation Center 4 131 2 65 Other 3 78 1 20 RI of State Seed Fund and Vegetable Growing 2 45 2 45 RI of Plant Protection 2 46 0 0 Total 844 16,202 222 3,659 Source: Ministry of Agriculture

In total, from 01.11.2018 to 31.05.2019, 1080 trainings were conducted.

9 News

AGRO AND FOOD SPECIALIZED EXHIBITIONS HELD IN

On May 15, 25th Azerbaijan International Food Industry – WorldFood Azerbaijan and 13th Azerbaijan International Agriculture, Caspian International Exhibition for Packaging, Marking and Polygraphy, 13th Caucasian International Exhibition of Equipments for Hotels, Restaurants and Supermarkets exhibitions opened at Baku Expo Center.

Speaking at the launch ceremony, Minister of Agriculture Inam Kerimov noted toward the exhibitions, which is one of the biggest events in agro and food field. The Minister also mentioned toward the reforms carried out by President Ilham Aliyev in all economy’s fields, including agro sector. According to him, the main priority issues in agro sector are innovation and implementation of new technologies. In this regard, participiants obtain an opportunity to get acquainted with the latest start-ups and innovations. Minister noted that agricultural production increased by 3.6% in the first quarter of the current year. Head of Azerbaijan’s Food Safety Agency Goshkar Tahmazli spoke about steps for entrepreneurship’ increase and favorable environment created for businessmen in the country. Speaking at the ceremony Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of

10 Igor Lyashenko noted that his country was represented with 30 companies. He stressed growth of agriculture and food security in Azerbaijan. He mentioned that Azerbaijan and Belarus closely cooperate in these fields. Joint ventures set up for the production of agricultural machinery, and the process will go on. On May 16, Prime Minister of the Republic of Azerbaijan Novruz Mammadov familiarized with 25th Azerbaijan International Food Industry – WorldFood Azerbaijan and 13th Azerbaijan International Agriculture - Caspian Agro at Baku Expo Center. The Prime Minister informed that 440 companies, including 11 national and regional groups from 32 countries represented at the exhibitions. Companies from , , , Ukraine, Croatia and other countries take part in the “WorldFood Azerbaijan” and “Caspian Agro” exhibitions. , Turkey, Belarus, Georgia, the Kingdom of the Netherlands and Sri Lanka took part in national stands. Modern agricultural technology, harvesting aggregates and agro products presented at stands. The exhibitions are supported by the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Food Safety Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), AZPROMO, the National Confederation of Entrepreneurs (Employers) Organizations of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and The Small and Medium Entrepreneurship Development Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan Prime Minister Novruz Mammadov familiarized with the pavilions of both exhibitions. It should be noted that compared with the last year, exposition area increased by 20%. 70% of Exponents were from foreign companies. Exhibitions continued on May 17th.

11 FORETIME AGRO TECHNIQUE FAİR HELD IN AZERBAIJAN

On purpose of farmers’ acquaintence with agro technique suppliers and financial institutions, as well as information about technique sales, it was planned to be held technique fairs in 6 regions of the country (Shamkir, Barda, Shaki and Ujar, Guba, Masalli). The first fair, organized by Agency for Agro Credit and Development will be held in Shamkir from May 20 to June 15.

More than 20 technician suppliers including banks, leasing and insurance companies presented their products to farmers during the fair. Mirza Aliyev, chairman of Agency for Agro Credit and Development informed toward purpose of the fair’s organization: “Farmers regularly ask questions what techniques are able to buy from suppliers. As a state agency, we consider, refering farmer to a definite supplier is against the liberal market law. We assure such a fair may help farmers to find their suppliers”. Mirza Aliyev added about helping farmers to learn how to get agricultural techniques within the participation of credit, insurance and leasing companies at fair: “Large entrepreneurs got a chance familiarized themselves with the innovations of technical suppliers at 13th Azerbaijan International Agriculture Exhibition in Baku last week. The purpose of the fairs is to inform small, medium-sized entrepreneurs who has no time to go far, about suppliers, techniques and formalized sales by

12 banks, leasing and insurance companies. We would prefer a number of suppliers participated at fair will be as satisfied as the farmers. The more market is high- quality, the better environment of the competitiveness will be health”. It should be noted that technical fairs were held in Barda on May 23-24, in Shaki on May 26-27, in Ujar on May 29-30. The main goal of the fair held in Barda was to familiarize farmers from Barda, Tartar, Yevlakh, Agjabadi and Beylagan, otherwise in Shaki was to familiarize farmers from Shaki, Zagatala, Gakh and Balakan, in addition, in Ujar was to familiarize farmers from this region with agricultural technique equipments and financial institutions. Banks, leasing and insurance companies presented their products to farmers and farm owners along with more than 20 technical experts.

13 MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE PARTICIPATED AT CONSULTATIONS’ EVENT DEDICATED TO SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS OF FAO

Informal consultations’ event of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) for the Europe and Central Asia was held on May 16-17 in Budapest, Hungary. Firdovsi Fikratzade, Director of Agro Research Center and Namig Mammadov, Deputy Chairman of the Agency for Agro Credit and Development under the Ministry of Agriculture attended at the conference.

During forum Firdovsi Fikratzade informed implementation events taken by Azerbaijani government in order to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He noted that necessary institutional mechanisms for the implementation of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in their respective fields were created in Azerbaijan, and these problems covered within current government programs and policy documents: “Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) focused on “The Strategic Roadmap of production and processing of agricultural products in

14 Azerbaijan Republic in 2016” and “National Integrated Food Safety System (IFSS) Program”. Public centers authorized responsible for carrying out each activity, regularly submitted report to the government. Thus, an institutionalized system of accountability for the implementation of SDGs established by Azerbaijani government”

Director of Agro Research Center added that Ministry of Agriculture and Council for Farmers under the State Center for Agrarian Development (SCAD) established as institutional mechanism for the involvement of the corresponding SDGs targets. It was noted that these councils are flexible platform for discussions between farmers and public authorities. It is effectively crucial for the implementation of the participation’s call at SDGs. Exhibitors estimated implementation of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as institutional mechanisms and provision of active participation of farmers in Azerbaijan.

15 II REPUBLICIAN MEETING OF STATE CENTER FOR AGRARIAN DEVELOPMENT

II Republician Meeting of State Centers for Agrarian Development under the Ministry of Agriculture was held on May 11. Inam Kerimov Minister of Agriculture, staff of the apparatus of Ministry, Heads of departments, Heads of State Centers for Agrarian Development of 60 regions participated at the meeting, which was held at Haydar Aliyev Center in Kurdamir.

Inam Kerimov noted as a result of institutional reforms carried out last year, created State Center for Agrarian Development on the basis of agricultural departments and operated as a new service structure. The Minister said that he would discuss about the tasks implemented at I Republician Meeting of State Centers for Agrarian Development: “Our main tasks are ensuring of food security for the purpose of efficient use of land and water resources and achievement of high performance by Ilham Aliyev, President of Azerbaijan Republic. I noted that SCAD faced the most serious problems during the previous meeting. The issues speeding up with farmers in the regions, implementation of state programs as coordinating, improvement of services provided to farmers, fertilizers, seeds and technique support are highlighted. A number of steps took in these directions, and very serious affairs have been done within the upcoming tasks. As we know that agriculture is a dynamically increase field, so we must fulfill

16 all the tasks in order to achieve our goals and strive implementation of tasks set by President Ilham Aliyev”. Inam Kerimov noted that preparing of harvesting grain, sowing cotton, current condition of barley production, supplies of technique and fertilizers, as well as implementation affairs on Electronic Agricultural Information System will be discussed at the meeting.

Matlab Karimov, director of Kurdamir SCAD on the theme of “The current condition and best practices of cotton in Kurdamir”, Huseyn Abbasov, director of Fuzuli SCAD on the theme of “The development and new goals of sericulture in Fuzuli”, Mekhman Yusibov, director of Shaki SCAD on the theme of “grain growing in Shaki: innovative ways for development” made a report. The themes discussed, proposals registered, and assignments were given to heads of centers and departments for resolve issues. Made a closing speech at the meeting, Inam Kerimov touched upon the major challenges facing of future SCAD activities. Noting the main challenge faced by local agencies is always with the farmers, Minister said that it is important to strengthen its efforts to produce skilled and professional workforce. Minister gave assignments on the operational resolution of issues raised at II Republician Meeting of State Centers for Agrarian Development.

17 COUNCIL OF INCOMING MEETING FOR FARMERS WAS HELD

On May 10, Council of incoming meeting Farmers was held at the Ministry of Agriculture of Azerbaijan. Inam Kerimov, Minister of Agriculture named Council of Farmers a very useful format, on meanwhile said this format-bringing together leading and experienced farmers was area of great importance. The minister informed the farmers about the recent decree signed by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev. Then discussed implementation issues raised during the meeting held on February. Participants were informed toward implemented affairs of Electronic Agricultural Information System, expanded list of agricultural equipment applied to the state concession, and new decisions taken to eliminate shortage of grain harvester during cereals mowing. Council of Farmers’ members discussed views on issues for chemistry lab activities, sale of new technologies, creation of cooperatives, use of certified for seeds, sale of mobile fertilizers, electrification of agricultural services, irrigation problems, cotton sowing and etc. Well-known farmers, Alibala Salimov, Rafat Abasov, Sevil Osmanova, Ildirim Mamedov, Baydaba Valiyev and others shared council’s future plans for development. Council’s members made suggestions for expanding activities in the regions. Closing of the meeting, new members admitted to the Council of Farmers under Ministry of Agriculture. It should be noted that one third part of Council of Farmers’ staff renewed alternately within 6 months’ rotation.

18 MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE MET WITH FARMERS IN REGIONS

On May 19, Inam Kerimov, Minister of Agriculture met with farmers toward ongoing status and challenges ahead in agricultural sector in Goranboy. Almost 300 farmers attended at Palace of Culture.

The meeting was attended by staff of the Ministry of Agriculture, leadership of Melioration & Water Economy JSC, responsible people in charge of executive power of region, representatives of the Ministry’s subordinate organizations and State Centers for Agrarian Development. Speaking at the meeting, Inam Kerimov noted that as a result of policy by President Ilham Aliyev, agricultural sector has come in a qualitatively new stage of increase, and declared the most visible field of the non-oil sector: “The agricultural reforms carried out by Mr. President intend further development of agriculture, on meanwhile, implementation of more support measures by government. The subsidies provided for the development of grain growing, seed-growing, animal husbandry, beekeeping, sugar beet and cotton growing. In particular, government implements provision of technique on compromise in agricultural sector.

19 Our main principles in our activities are proximity to the peasants and farmers, effective management and application of innovation. The objective of these meetings is to listen to the concerns of farmers and take immediate action”. Minister informed farmers about the development of the agricultural sector and such analysis on a regular basis decided to hold. Minister informed toward ongoing status, aimed tasks and implemented affairs in agricultural sector in Azerbaijan.

The meeting took place almost 3 hours in dialogue format with farmers. At the meeting irrigation water shortage, mineral fertilizers, herbicides, medicines and technique equipments, as well as issues related to the credit of the agricultural sector were discussed. The participants’ thoughts were shared on the field of activity, supply of mineral fertilizers, medicines, herbicides, pesticides and technologies discussed, proposals and questions of farmers registered and answered. Farmers interested in the issues raised by the heads of relevant departments of the Ministry, and suggestions were recorded. It was noted that on April-May, Inam Kerimov, Minister of Agriculture held meeting with farmers in Saatli, Sabirabad, Ujar, Gabala, Salyan, Neftchala, Ismayilli, Aghsu and Goranboy. Meeting with farmers will go on.

20 INAM KERIMOV MET WITH FRENCH COUNTERPART IN PARIS

Inam Kerimov, Minister of Agriculture met with French counterpart Didier Guillaume on May 23 during a state visit to . At the meeting, increase in agriculture, ensuring food security and providing people with high-quality food as priority was noted.

Inam Kerimov noted about special attention paid to the development of agriculture in our country. He spoke about comprehensive conditions created in Azerbaijan in this field. According to him, there is a high state support to agricultural sector. Farmers are granted benefits and given subsidies, loans. All are implemented as a result of success for agro policy pursued by President Ilham Aliyev. The Minister invited France to take part as an honorary guest of the exhibition next year while informed about Azerbaijan International Agriculture “Caspian Agro” and called agricultural entrepreneurs to use existing liberal market in Azerbaijan more actively. The French Minister would like to take part at exhibition next year and is interested in strengthening cooperation of his country’s agricultural entrepreneurs with our country. He noted that his country is ready to assist Azerbaijan in the field of animal husbandry, ICT, viticulture and agricultural technique. In June, during the visit of France Entrepreneurs Organization - MEDEF to our country, informed that agricultural companies would also be included in delegation.

21 On May 24, Inam Kerimov met with Etyen Guyo, the prefect of the Okitani region in France. During the meeting, issues of state support to agricultural development in Azerbaijan, reforms carried out in this direction under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, directions of development of agricultural sector, use of technology and scientific research were discussed. Our country was also interested in cooperation with France regions. Prefect E.Guyo noted that he was ready to spend all the opportunities for expanding cooperation with our country and providing the necessary support. Inam Kerimov noted that about the plans to take part in traditional international exhibition next year and invited companies from Okitani region of France to “Caspian Agro” in Baku. He called on French agricultural companies to be active in our country and spoke about the benefits, subsidies provided by the state to farmers. He stressed that French companies can expand their trade relations with Asian countries using large-scale international infrastructure projects while visiting to Azerbaijan. Minister also spoke about the liberalization of sale of agricultural technique, about the favorable conditions created in investment, and suggested Okitani companies carry out investment projects in our country. Prefect E.Guyo was invited to our country to familiarize with the conditions created in agriculture, and he gladly accepted the invitation. During the visit Inam Kerimov also met with Gregory But-Gyum, director of the National Institute of Agronomy Toulouse INP ENSAT, Silvan Labbe, national coordinator of the French National Institute for Agricultural Research (INRA) and Jan-Pierre Vinel, rector of the Toulouse III - Paul Sabatier University. At the meetings, implementation affairs and detailed information was given in the direction of development of agro sector in our country under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev.

22 Minister spoke about the priority directions of agricultural development in our country, existing educational and research centers in this field, activities of the State Agricultural University of Azerbaijan, facing problems and further development in this field. The leaders of ENSAT, INRA and Toulouse III - Paul Sabatier University spoke about the programs of educational and research centers. Issues of bilateral cooperation, mutual visits of teachers and researchers of educational institutions and research centers of both countries, issues of double diplomas discussed at the meeting. Discussions on implementation of research took place in agriculture field. Within visit, Inam Kerimov also held meetings with the Vice-President for Agriculture and Agro Education in Okitani region, leadership of the Chamber of Commerce, Agriculture and entrepreneurs of this region.

Azerbaijan production at “Flavor Planet” On May 23, at the Azerbaijani Cultural Center in Paris under the French Ministry of Agriculture and Food, the “Flavor Planet” gastronomic event was organized jointly by the Agricultural Consultants Corporation, the State Agro Trade Company under the Ministry of Agriculture of Azerbaijan and the Embassy of Azerbaijan in France. In the event, the embassies accredited in France presented their countries’ food products. Ambassador Rahman Mustafayev greeted the participants of the event and stated

23 that agriculture and national gastronomy are the embodiment of the culture of each nation. He pointed out that agriculture is one of the priority areas of our economy’s diversification strategy. He noted that our country historically has been distinguished by the combination of different religions and cultures. Azerbaijan has very rich traditions of tolerance and multiculturalism.He is pleased to announce that he will be the chair of the World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue in Baku, as well as the Non-Aligned Movement. Minister of Agriculture of Azerbaijan, Inam Kerimov, pointed the importance of the “Flavor Planet” and said that it promotes the message of friendship, peace and solidarity. The fact that the event organized by diplomats was a praiseworthy step, recalled by the French chef, Augustus Eskoffier, “Culinary art is probably the most useful form of diplomacy.” He informed about the rich cuisine of Azerbaijan, adding that the tradition of making and sharing dolma and lavash was included in the UNESCO Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage as a tradition of Azerbaijan. The delegation led by Leyla Mammadova, the Director of the State Agro Trade

Company, presented the products of local and medium-sized farmers, as well as domestic products and national dishes. High-level packaging of Azerbaijan’s agricultural products was also highly appreciated.

24 ASSOCIATION OF GRAIN PRODUCERS & PROCESSORS ESTABLISHED

Association of Grain Producers and Processors 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.

On May 27, an event was held at Agro Research Center under the Ministry of Agriculture with the participation of representatives of state institutions, entrepreneurs engaged in grain production and process. Deputy Minister of Economy Sahib Mammadov stressed that agriculture, which is one of the leading field of the non-oil sector, constantly received great attention and care, have done ongoing reforms in agro sector and implemented state support to mechanisms from Azerbaijani President, Mr. Ilham Aliyev. Sahib Mammadov noted that the activities of the Association aimed at coordinating the activities of grain producers and processing enterprises and expanding cooperation between them will be significant in terms of increasing the level of self-sufficiency. Ministry of Economy will provide necessary support to the activities of the Association.

25 Araz Ismayilov, Head of the Department of Agriculture stressed about the implementation of cooperation with the Association, which will play a big role in the development of grain growing, improving the quality of products and introducing new technologies. Vugar Zeynalov, Vice-President of the National Confederation of Entrepreneurs’ (Employers’) Organizations informed development of entrepreneurship’s implementation affairs at agro sector and cooperation with the newly established Association.

Speaking at the event, businessmen also announced their intention to take an active part in “Association of Grain Producers and Processors”. Later proposal of the participants establishment of the Association was questioned and unanimously adopted, members of the Board and the Supervisory and Auditing Commission were elected. The head of Karat Holding, Taleh Gasimov, was elected the Chairman of the Association. At the end there were discussions with entrepreneurs about future activities of the Association and development of the grain-growing.

26 MEETING OF GROWTH FOR CITRUS HORTICULTURE AND TEA-GROWING

On May 30, meeting under the theme of “Implementation of current situation and existing problems of Growth for Citrus Horticulture and Tea-growing State Programs” held in Lankaran under the chairmanship of Inam Kerimov, Minister of Agriculture.

At the event, held at Haydar Aliyev Center, was attended by representatives of the Ministry of Agriculture, officials from various regions, directors of subordinate institutions and State Centers for Agrarian Development, representatives of research institutes, as well as about 100 farmers from the southern regions. Inam Kerimov, Minister of Agriculture noted at the meeting, as a result of policy pursued by Ilham Aliyev, Azerbaijani President, agro sector as a whole entered a new stage in its development. Minister said that agricultural reforms carried out by the head of state provide to the further development of agriculture, and on purpose state implements large support events: “Mr. Ilham Aliyev, Azerbaijani President, set a very important task to ensure the country’s food security and rational use of land and water resources. With productive use of resources and widespread use of innovative technologies, productivity in this field should be further increased. The basis of agro policy is food security,

27 expansion of employment in this field and increase of export. As you know, citrus horticulture and tea-growing are one of the priority fields in agro sector. Climate in Azerbaijan create favorable conditions for more productivity. Citrus horticulture and tea-growing are one of the most important fields of labor, providing employment for the country. The development of citrus horticulture and tea- growing let them achieve these goals. Specific targets for citrus horticulture and tea-growing state programs identified. The main purpose of the programs is to achieve greater development and productivity in this field. On purpose of achievement of concrete events are being taken to implement. The purposeful implemented events will ensure dynamic and sustainable development of agro sector “.

Later, Rafail Guliyev, Head of Plant-growing management and monitoring department under the Ministry of Agriculture, made a presentation on the topic “Implementation of current situation and existing problems of growth for citrus horticulture and tea-growing in Azerbaijan”. Farmers from Lankaran and Astara regions Azer Gurbanov, Aghashirin Aghayev, Ilkin Azimov and Nizami Rasulov shared their views on the development of citrus horticulture and tea-growing. Consultations were devoted to fertilizers, medicines, citrus horticulture and tea- growing, as well as suggestions from farmers were registered.

28 Monthly Information Bulletin

“Agriculture in Azerbaijan” prepared

by Agro Research Center under

Ministry of Agriculture

Contact:

(+994 12) 599-08-88

[email protected]

Nizami street, 92 AZ 1010, Baku Azerbaijan

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