Azerbaijan can fully provide its need in food grain via local production in 2009: minister

"Our main goal is to ensure 100 percent of the country's people through domestic production," the minister said.

Abbasov said Azerbaijan will be able to completely provide the country's need in food grain in 2009 as a result of the held efficient measures.

"The agriculture ministry purchased additional 180 combines for harvest to supply grain producers with equipment," Abbasov said.

Grain production was increased by 500,000 tons in Azerbaijan in 2008. It is planned to increase sown area by 800,000 hectares additionally in 2009.

The country's annual demand in grain is 3 million tons and 1.5 million of which falls to food grain.

/Trend Capital/