Minister says agriculture is priority area in diversification of Azerbaijan's economy

Azerbaijan's main target is to diversify economy by using the natural resources it has, Minister of Agriculture Majnun Mammadov said at the PPR Blueprint & FMD Roadmap Meeting.

He noted that Azerbaijan is a leading country of the region in terms of its rapid economic development:

"As for diversification, attention is primarily paid to the development of agriculture. We make big efforts to achieve sustainable transformation of our agri-food systems. Green recovery, digitalization, and innovative solutions are the main principles on our agenda for building a resilient national agri-food system. Animal breeding, including health protection, remains a priority on our agenda. The government subsidizes 60% of the total amount of animals imported for breeding purposes. Moreover, the embryo transfer project that has started recently at our Artificial Insemination Center aimed at achieving the goal to increase animal production."

Mammadov added that in accordance with the yearly prepared action plan, animals are getting vaccinated in the country in order to prevent zoonotic diseases and protect their health:

"Of course, it is impossible to achieve animals’ welfare without properly established veterinary services. In these regards, according to the government’s latest reform, veterinary services have been privatized in Azerbaijan and this process is organized on the basis of private contracts. Furthermore, a major part of our state support investments goes to encourage farmers to use modern and innovative farming technologies."

According to the minister, keeping all the mentioned issues in mind, the implementation of One Health Initiative, which integrates measures for human, animal and environmental health is highly appreciated.