Azerbaijan investing heavily in development of climate-appropriate agri-food systems

The 43rd session of the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) continues in Rome, Italy. The Minister of Agriculture of Azerbaijan, Mejnun Mammadov, addressed the session, Azernews reports.

The Department of Public Relations and Information Provision of the Ministry of Agriculture told, that the Minister's speech was dedicated to the topic of rational use of water resources. In particular, he said that agricultural activities are the main reason for the constant pressure on land and water resources on the planet. As in the rest of the world, in Azerbaijan, limited water resources, water losses and irrational use of water by farmers create difficulties in agricultural activities. Noting that most of the country's water resources are generated outside Azerbaijan, the Minister stressed the importance of more rational use of limited water resources.

"There is a strong political will in our country to effectively manage existing water resources. One of the measures being implemented in this direction includes investment in climate-appropriate smart agriculture management. The Government of Azerbaijan is investing heavily in the development of climate-appropriate agri-food systems. The bulk of the investment is aimed at transforming digital and smart agriculture. The use of modern irrigation systems by farmers is subsidized by the government, replacement of soil channels with concrete ones, installation of underground water pipes, and promotion of drip and beer irrigation are the key priorities of our policy on efficient water management," Mejnun Mammadov said.

Reiterating support for FAO initiatives on the effective use of land and water resources and digitalization of agriculture, the minister said that Azerbaijan enthusiastically joins these initiatives and is ready for effective cooperation within such multilateral platforms.

Mejnun Mammadov also met with Qiu Dunyu, who was re-elected as FAO Secretary General during the 43rd session of the organization. The minister noted the successful cooperation of our country with FAO, stressing that it contributes to the implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Further expansion of relations between Azerbaijan and FAO, the organization's support for digital agriculture, initiatives on effective management of water resources, and other issues of mutual interest were discussed at the meeting.

A meeting was also held with Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development of Israel Avi Dichter. The sides touched upon the prospects of cooperation between Azerbaijan and Israel in the field of agriculture and exchanged views on the application of modern Israeli technologies in agriculture in Azerbaijan.