Majnun Mammadov: Growth cycle based on expanding farmland is ending

In Azerbaijan, the main responsibility for food production and ensuring food security lies with the private sector, according to Azerbaijani Agriculture Minister Majnun Mammadov, cited by Report's correspondent in Zangilan.

Speaking at a conference on the State Program for the Development of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Aquaculture Production and Processing in Azerbaijan for 2026–2030, the minister explained that agricultural production, processing, food industry, and agrarian value chain are carried out almost entirely by the private sector.

"Agricultural production, food supply, food security, and the functioning of the agrarian value chain in Azerbaijan are practically 100% ensured by the private sector. President Ilham Aliyev's recent call to investors and entrepreneurs reflects the crucial role of the private sector in developing agriculture," he emphasized.

Mammadov noted that in the coming period, strengthening cooperation between the state and private sector, increasing investment, and applying modern production approaches will be of particular importance.

The minister further stressed that new approaches are needed for agricultural development: "Last year, agriculture accounted for 5.9% of GDP and 8–10% of non-oil GDP. Although nearly half of the rural population works in this sector, average annual growth has been only about 1% in recent years. For a long time, growth was mainly achieved by expanding farmland. However, this approach has nearly exhausted its potential. From now on, the driving force of development must be productivity growth, adoption of modern technologies, and transition to more efficient production models. The sector faces serious challenges such as fragmented land plots, water supply difficulties, climate change impacts, shortage of skilled personnel, and productivity levels below existing potential," he said.