Azerbaijan unveils 2026–2030 agricultural strategy in Guba meeting

A regional meeting on the Absheron-Khizi and Guba-Khachmaz economic regions was held in the city of Guba on June 16 to discuss the “State Program for the Development of Production and Processing of Agricultural, Fishery, and Aquaculture Products in the Republic of Azerbaijan for 2026–2030,” approved by an order of the Azerbaijani president dated May 25, 2026.

As reported by Caliber.Az, the event was organised to implement the instructions given at the meeting on agricultural issues chaired by President Ilham Aliyev on May 25, 2026, as well as to ensure the coordinated, flexible, and effective implementation at the regional level of the measures outlined in the state program.

The event was attended by representatives of relevant government bodies, as well as farmers and entrepreneurs representing the Absheron, Khizi, Guba, Gusar, Siyazan, and Shabran districts.

Assistant to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan - Head of the Department for Territorial and Organisational Issues of the Administration of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Zeynal Naghdaliyev, spoke about the priorities set by the head of state in the development of the agricultural sector and the tasks assigned in this area. He also informed the participants about the main goals and objectives of the new state program.

He noted that the results achieved in the agricultural sector make it necessary at the next stage to ensure higher productivity, expand competitive production, and increase the level of self-sufficiency. The presidential aide emphasised that the new program is aimed at ensuring the sustainable development of the agricultural sector, strengthening food security, and enhancing the potential of domestic production.

Deputy Minister of Agriculture Seymur Safarli, in turn, provided information on the new mechanisms for supporting farmers envisaged under the state program, the introduction of modern technologies, and the work that will be carried out to improve production efficiency. Speaking about the objectives set in the fields of wheat production, horticulture, livestock farming, and poultry farming, the deputy minister noted that expanding irrigation capacity, technical support, storage infrastructure, and preferential financing will contribute to increasing yields and enhancing farmers’ competitiveness.

Then, Chairman of the State Water Resources Agency of Azerbaijan (ADSEA) Zaur Mikayilov spoke about the importance of effective water resource management and reliable water supply for the sustainable development of the agricultural sector. He provided information on ongoing water management projects in the regions, the modernisation of irrigation infrastructure, and efforts aimed at introducing modern irrigation technologies. The ADSEA chairman noted that more rational use of water resources, reducing water losses, and improving water supply for agricultural producers are among the main priorities within the framework of the state program.

Next, the head of the Guba District Executive Power, Ilgar Mahmudov, reported on the development of agriculture in the district, its existing agricultural potential, and the tasks arising from the state program. He noted that Guba, being one of the country’s main centres of fruit production, also has significant opportunities for the development of horticulture, livestock farming, and the processing industry.

Mahmudov stated that an appropriate action plan has been prepared in the district to implement the state program, and that efforts are continuing to strengthen the training of qualified specialists in the agricultural sector and ensure more effective use of the region’s agricultural potential.

During the discussions, farmers and entrepreneurs expressed their gratitude to Ilham Aliyev for his attention to and support of the agricultural sector, as well as for the favourable business and investment environment that has been created. It was noted that the measures envisaged in the state program are of great importance in terms of expanding opportunities for the production and processing of agricultural products, implementing new investment projects, and developing entrepreneurial activities.

The speakers expressed their readiness to actively participate in fulfilling the objectives arising from the program and to continue contributing to increasing domestic production and strengthening the country’s food security.

At the conclusion of the meeting, Zeynal Nagdaliyev issued relevant instructions to the responsible agencies regarding the implementation of the tasks arising from the state program. He emphasised the importance of the timely and effective implementation of the measures outlined in the program, strengthening coordination between relevant institutions, and ensuring the prompt completion of assigned tasks. It was noted that the proposals voiced during the meeting would be consolidated and taken into account during the implementation of the state program.

By Kheyraddin Nasirzade