TODAY.AZ / Business

Nakhchivan seeks to boost viticulture sector

14 August 2017 [12:29] - TODAY.AZ

By Azernews


By Amina Nazarli

Historical accounts have long acknowledged Azerbaijan as a cradle of winemaking. Thanks to the favorable natural-climatic conditions, numerous sorts of grape have been developed here.

One of the distinguishing features of Azerbaijani wine is its exceptional terroir and unique aroma. Grapes grown in Azerbaijan were repeatedly recognized as the best in the South Caucasus.

Nakhchivan is one of the oldest wine-growing regions of Azerbaijan. Grape seeds, as well as large pots used to prepare and store the wine, found during the archaeological excavations, indicate that people living in the autonomous republic were engaged in gardening and viniculture BC.

The soil and climatic conditions of Nakhchivan are ideal for the wine growing. The region is home to various types of high quality table grapes and wine grapes. Currently, the region seeks to boost the sector and along with meeting the domestic demand to increase the export volumes.

With over 120,000 kinds of grape produced in the republic, Nakhchivan wants to further develop this industry. In this regard, the republic wants to cultivate new grape gardens and expand the current ones.

Nakhchivan’s Nehrem village has started to be engaged in growing of grapes since 2015. A new vine-growing farm has been created in Nehram village. Alongside the local varieties, the villagers grow 10 productive grape varieties imported from Italy, France, Turkey and Uzbekistan. More than 326,000 grape saplings were planted in an area of 150 hectare.

In addition to the grapes, the seeds of other fruits were sown in the farm. Currently, more than 50,000 productive apple seedlings are planted on 25 hectares.

The creation of new grape plantations requires a considerable amount of long-term capital investment, and additional fiscal resources are needed for sowing services up to the fruiting period (about 4-5 years). Thus, the provision of existing and new vineyard farms with long-term funding sources is one of the most important issues ahead.

Overall, wine-making has switched to a new level of development in Azerbaijan following the realization of number of programs in the country. Currently, Azerbaijan produces 20 million bottles of wine per year, while the annual production capacity of the country’s wineries is 100 million bottles. Overall, the wine export of Azerbaijan hit $3.5 million in 2016.

The wine sector includes grape growing, wine making and wine-related tourism. The wine sector makes a direct and significant contribution to output, gross domestic product (GDP) and employment.

In addition to the wine sector’s direct economic contribution, the sector also makes a flow-on contribution via strong linkages to other businesses that supply goods and services required for grape growing, wine making and the wine tourism experience.

The State Program for 2012-2020 aimed at the development of viticulture is aimed at reviving the former glory of this field in the country and improve wellness of the population.









URL: http://www.today.az/news/business/164049.html

Print version

Views: 2015

Connect with us. Get latest news and updates.

Recommend news to friend

  • Your name:
  • Your e-mail:
  • Friend's name:
  • Friend's e-mail: