Heavy snowfall in Azerbaijan to boost agricultural yields by 80-85%, expert says

The recent prolonged snowfall that has blanketed Azerbaijan is expected to lead to a significant increase in the country's agricultural productivity, according to Rajab Orujov, a former Minister of Agriculture of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic and an expert in the agrarian sector.

In an interview with Report, Orujov stated, "Snow acts as a natural protective cover for the soil, enabling microorganisms in the deeper layers of the earth to continue their activity and making the soil more fertile come spring. As a result, the precipitation will considerably improve crop yields."

The expert noted that 80-85% of the agricultural produce grown in Azerbaijan is cultivated under irrigation to some extent. "Irrigation is one of the elements that restores soil fertility, influencing its chemical composition and the microbiological activity of the bacteria it contains. The water reserves absorbed into the soil from melting snow reduce the need for irrigation and maintain the hydrological balance," Orujov emphasized.

Furthermore, the expert highlighted the vital importance of snowfall for grain production. "Mouse-like rodents that destroy grain fields perish in such weather conditions. Overall, snow eliminates many harmful insects and their eggs, reducing the impact of pests in spring and summer and minimizing farmers' need for pesticides," he added.