Azerbaijani Parliament approves leasing of agricultural lands in Karabakh, East Zangezur In first reading

Milli Majlis (Azerbaijan's Parliament) has approved the leasing of agricultural lands in the liberated territories of Karabakh and East Zangezur to business entities based on investment tenders. 

The decision follows proposed amendments to the law "On Land Lease," which were discussed at today's parliamentary session, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

Under the amendments, a special executive body will oversee the leasing process, ensuring the rational distribution of lands within newly established settlements and organizing necessary infrastructure, such as irrigation, electricity, and melioration systems. The plan aims to determine which lands will remain state-owned and which will be subject to land reform.

Future stages will involve attracting investors and providing land to residents settling in rural and settlement areas. The bill also proposes granting agricultural lands near settlements to local residents on preferential terms for planting annual and perennial crops, following guidelines established by the special executive body.

The draft law was voted on and passed in its first reading.

By Tamilla Hasanova