Expert: Azerbaijan must adapt agriculture to its unique climate

China's success in creating climate-resilient agroecosystems can serve as a valuable example for other countries, including Azerbaijan, which face challenges in irrigation, according to Adnan Arshad, an expert on Climate-Optimized Agriculture (COA) from Lanzhou University.

According to Report, Arshad highlighted several specific strategies that can be applied in countries with irrigation issues, using Azerbaijan as a case study. He believes that implementing water-saving irrigation methods can help optimize water usage and reduce losses.

"This includes introducing techniques such as drip irrigation and sprinkler systems, which deliver water directly to plant roots, minimizing evaporation and increasing efficiency," he explained.

The expert also emphasized the importance of developing water harvesting technologies, encouraging crop diversification and rotation, and promoting knowledge-sharing and training programs for working with agricultural crops.

"It is crucial to adapt these methods to Azerbaijan's specific conditions, considering factors such as climate, water availability, and local socio-economic circumstances," Arshad noted.

Regarding his expectations for the upcoming COP29 in Baku, Arshad stressed the significance of increasing funding for COA initiatives.

"I anticipate that the upcoming COP29 will prioritize and ensure increased financial resources for COA initiatives, including funding for research and development, capacity building, technology transfer, and investments in sustainable agricultural practices that enhance climate change adaptation," he concluded.