Azerbaijan directs $600 mln to agricultural subsidies

As a result of the implementation of state programs for socio-economic development of regions of Azerbaijan in the period from 2004 to 2011 1,007,000 new jobs were created, of which 265,000 - in agriculture, Agriculture Minister Ismet Abasov said on Friday at a meeting with representatives of the European Parliament and German Bundestag.

He said that as a result events crop yield in 2011 increased by 34 percent compared to 2003.

The minister said that in 2011 2.5 million tons of grain, which is 19.4 higher compared to 2003, 938,000 tons of potatoes (an increase of 22 percent), vegetables - 1.215 million tons (an increase of 16 per cent), melons - 478,000 tons (an increase of 34 per cent), fruits and berries - 765,800 tons (an increase of 33.8 per cent), grape - 137,000 tons (an increase by 2.1 times).

"A special role in the growth of agricultural production was played by the creation in 2004 of 'Agroleasing'," Abasov said.

He said at the expense of budget funds allocated to Agroleasing in 2005 - 2011, 11,398 units of agricultural machinery, including 1,000 combines, 3,600 tractors and other equipment and machinery were purchased.

The Minister also noted that the state subsidizes agriculture, particularly in 2007 - 2011 years it granted 458.3 million manat of subsidies for the purchase of motor oil and fuel, as well as wheat and rice planting.


/Trend/