Minister: Developing agri-industry and processing sector crucial

Developing the agricultural industry and processing sector is of utmost importance for increasing profitability, ensuring sustainable sales channels, and boosting employment in the agriculture sector, Azerbaijani Minister of Agriculture Majnun Mammadov said at the Azerbaijan Halal Business and Tourism Forum in Baku, Report informs.

"Organizing the processing based on halal standards will increase the incomes of farmers and entrepreneurs by forming a value chain, raise the demand for agricultural products, stimulate financial markets, and further enhance export potential," Mammadov stated.

He stressed that to achieve sustainable development in this field, global trends should be assessed and the production of agricultural and food products should align with today's challenges.

The minister noted that from farm to table, every step requires special attention and innovative approaches to attain high productivity and quality produce in agriculture. "The main responsibility in reaching these goals falls on the private sector," he added.

"Azerbaijan halal business and tourism forum provides an opportunity for participants to evaluate the existing potential and investment prospects in this sector, and share best practices.”

Mammadov expressed hope that the development of this sector will further expand public-private sector cooperation, increase employment, ensure sustainable economic growth, and boost the incomes of farmers and entrepreneurs. "I believe that by taking joint steps, we can achieve these important goals," he concluded, wishing the forum participants success in their discussions and decision-making.