The detrimental effects of climate change on agriculture are becoming increasingly evident in Azerbaijan, Minister of Agriculture Majnun Mammadov told a conference titled "Sustainable Food Security in the Context of Climate Change" held in Baku, Report informs.
"The negative impacts of climate change are becoming more pronounced worldwide, with the agricultural sector being particularly vulnerable," stated Mammadov. "In recent years, farmers have been grappling with extreme droughts and mild winters. Observations show that the average temperature has risen by 0.8-1.8 degrees, while atmospheric precipitation has decreased by an average of 8-10%. This not only disrupts traditional rainfed agriculture practices but also leads to a decline in crop yields, especially for cereals."
The minister pointed out that the main consequences of climate change in Azerbaijan include diminishing water resources, droughts, and rising temperatures. "The decrease in water resources leads to lower productivity and more problems for farmers. These risks are particularly pronounced in the production of strategic crops such as cotton, cereals, and tobacco," he added.
"Food security, agricultural development, and increasing productivity are the most pressing issues of our time. It is well known that the development of the agricultural sector is directly dependent on environmental factors such as soil, water, and climate," said Mammadov.