President Aliyev inspects 13-hectare mulberry orchard in Khojaly PHOTO

On September 15, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev visited a mulberry orchard spanning 13 hectares in the village of Dashbulag, Khojaly District.

The president was briefed on the progress of the project, Caliber.Az reports, citing local media.

According to the report, the orchard currently hosts 130,000 saplings imported from the People’s Republic of China, and a drip irrigation system has been installed.

It is projected that by 2026, the orchard will produce 100 tons of mulberry leaves, increasing to 500 tons by 2030. Silk cocoon production is expected to reach 60 tons within five years, starting next year.

Plans for October–November of this year include extending the drip irrigation system to an additional 150 hectares, planting approximately 1.5 million mulberry saplings, establishing a cluster-model mulberry orchard, constructing greenhouses around the site, and developing a full cycle for silkworm breeding, raw cocoon production, and processing.

The project provides permanent employment for 25 people, with an additional 750 workers engaged in seasonal activities.

By Khagan Isayev