Azerbaijan rolls out major agricultural subsidies to boost orchards in Karabakh

Azerbaijan is launching a sweeping agricultural initiative in the Karabakh region, offering generous subsidies to encourage intensive and super-intensive orchards. The program aims to stimulate farming, create economic opportunities, and transform liberated territories into productive agricultural hubs.

The Ministry of Agriculture announced that the Council on Agricultural Subsidies has approved a series of financial incentives for farmers across multiple districts in the Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur economic regions. In Jabrayil, Gubadli, Khojaly, Khojavend, and Zangilan districts, located above 500 meters, farmers planting intensive chestnut orchards covering at least one hectare with a minimum of 400 certified seedlings per hectare will receive a subsidy of 3,250 manats per hectare ($1,900), Caliber.Az reports via local media. 

For super-intensive cherry orchards with a support system, situated at altitudes between 550 and 1,000 meters in the liberated territories of Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur, the subsidy rises to 16,250 manats per hectare ($9,500). These orchards must span at least three hectares and include at least 1,600 certified seedlings per hectare.

In the liberated territories of Aghdam, Aghdara, Jabrail, and Zangilan districts, located at altitudes between 150 and 500 meters, the program offers subsidies of 15,500 manats per hectare ($9,000) for intensive peach and apricot orchards. Each orchard must cover at least three hectares and include a minimum of 2,500 certified seedlings per hectare, for which patent holders will receive a separate fee.

Additionally, super-intensive nut orchards in Jabrayil, Gubadli, Khojaly, Khojavend, and Zangilan districts at altitudes between 500 and 900 meters will receive 4,200 manats per hectare ($2,500), provided they cover at least three hectares with 350 certified seedlings per hectare and feature a hearth. 

For super-intensive hazelnut orchards in the same districts, farmers can obtain 4,400 manats per hectare ($2,600), covering a minimum of two hectares and at least 650 certified seedlings per hectare, also with a hearth.

Officials say the initiative is part of a broader strategy to revitalise agriculture, promote sustainable land use, and strengthen the local economy in areas liberated from occupation. Farmers interested in participating are encouraged to contact the Ministry of Agriculture for guidance on eligibility and application procedures.

By Sabina Mammadli