Azerbaijan needs to increase pomegranate yield

By Azernews

By Sara Israfilbayova

Azerbaijan needs to increase the yield of pomegranate, Vice-President of the Azerbaijan Export and Investment Promotion Foundation (AZPROMO) Yusif Abdullayev said at an event on June 4.

“There is a potential in this area. For example, in Israel, pomegranate is grown on the territory of just 200 hectares, and the yield is more than 60,000 tons, that is 35-40 tons per hectare. The yield should be raised in Azerbaijan. Farmers and producers should actively apply for subsidies and benefits. Through the Association, representatives of relevant state agencies should receive information about the situation, including the existing shortcomings,” Abdullayev said.

In turn, Chairman of the Azerbaijan Pomegranate Producers and Exporters Association Farhad Garashov noted that the producers of pomegranate and products made of it should increase the export potential in this area, by producing quality products.

“Export figures should be increased. I would like to note that products made of Azerbaijani pomegranate are already exported to various countries of the world - from Australia to Canada. These are pomegranate juice, narsharab and other products. However, exporters of pomegranate should not be limited only to the Russian market,” Garashov said.

The Pomegranate Producers and Exporters Association was established on October 31, 2016.

The Association includes more than 20 members.

The aim of the Association is to provide services and support to farmers interested in growing pomegranate, as well as promoting the pomegranate within the “Made in Azerbaijan” brand throughout the world.

The Association regularly represents pomegranate in local and international markets, strives for an even greater use of advanced technologies in production, the supply of high-quality raw materials and the improvement of existing experience.

Pomegranate is one of the most nutritious fruits on earth. It contains a wide range of nutrients, unsurpassed by other fruits. Many studies have shown that they have incredible benefits for the body, and can reduce the risk of all sorts of diseases.

The Azerbaijani pomegranate has received worldwide recognition as one of the best. The secret of the magnificent taste of Goychay pomegranates is a unique microclimate and fertile soil. Pomegranate contains from 8 to 19 percent of glucose and fructose, from 3 to 7 percent - citric acid, a large number of minerals, vitamins, fiber, and pectic substances. This fruit is very rich in antioxidants. Pomegranate juice improves appetite, treats anemia and other diseases. In Azerbaijan pomegranate is called the king of fruits.

A pomegranate tree is spread all over the world, and Azerbaijan is the only country where all varieties of this royal fruit grow. The climate of Azerbaijan is surprisingly diverse, and this is what facilitates the cultivation of all kinds of pomegranate.