CARCAS Center, Institute of Fruit Growing and Tea Cultivation sign “Memorandum of Strategic Cooperation” in agriculture

As part of the First Agronomists’ Forum of Azerbaijan, held in Baku during the international Caspian Agro 2025 exhibition, the Center for Agricultural Research of the Caspian Region (CARCAS) and the Institute of Fruit Growing and Tea Cultivation under the Ministry of Agriculture of Azerbaijan signed a Memorandum of Strategic Cooperation, Report informs.

The parties confirmed their mutual commitment to strengthening collaboration in areas of national agricultural priority, including:
• Scientific and technological development of domestic nursery farming and reducing dependency on imported seedlings of fruit and berry crops;
• Training and retraining of professionals in the agricultural sector;
• Establishment of modern educational and training centers.

Nurseries — The Foundation of Food Sovereignty

One of the key initiatives outlined in the memorandum involves the development and implementation of a National Program for the Localization of Seedling Production. Against the backdrop of increasing instability in global supply chains and growing climate challenges, Azerbaijan is focusing on creating its own nursery infrastructure, aimed at:
• Varieties adapted to local conditions;
• Resistance to diseases and drought;
• Meeting domestic market demand without reliance on external suppliers.

A modern agro-nursery project jointly implemented by CARCAS and the Institute will serve as a model platform integrating science, technology, and practical application. The nursery will also function as a demo center and a venue for agricultural training.

Human Capital in the Spotlight

CARCAS and the Institute of Fruit Growing and Tea Cultivation emphasized the importance of developing a new generation of agricultural professionals. Special attention will be given to:
• Establishing a regional training center based on leading farms and research institutions;
• Advancing professional development programs for farmers, agronomists, and technicians.

The cooperation also envisions the organization of internships and exchange programs involving CARCAS’s international partners — research centers, universities, and industry associations.

Expert Presentation by CARCAS

Dr. Sevil Suleymanova, PhD in Biology and the member of the Expert Council of the Center, delivered a presentation at the forum. She shared the Center’s strategic vision for transforming agricultural education, developing next-generation professionals, and localizing planting material as the foundation for the country’s food and environmental security. In her speech, she stressed the importance of a systemic approach that unites agricultural science, policy, and entrepreneurship.

Regional Focus: Meeting with the Minister of Agriculture of Nakhchivan

During the forum, CARCAS Supervisory Board member Zaur Rasulov held a working meeting with the Minister of Agriculture of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, Hayala Dadasheva. They discussed opportunities for scaling educational and research initiatives in Nakhchivan, including the establishment of a regional agricultural training center and cooperation in sustainable horticulture and irrigation.

The Minister invited the CARCAS delegation to visit Nakhchivan for further discussions on concrete steps for collaboration.

“We are building an ecosystem in which farmers, scientists, and educators work in synergy, combining practical experience, scientific knowledge, and educational approaches to advance domestic nursery farming and reduce dependence on imported fruit seedlings,” said Zaur Rasulov, member of the CARCAS Supervisory Board, following the meeting.

The signing of the memorandum marks a significant step toward Azerbaijan’s agricultural self-sufficiency, the development of a skilled workforce, and the strengthening of scientific and educational capacity in the field of agriculture.