COP29: High-Level Ministerial Meeting on Improving Climate-resistant Agricultural Practices held in Azerbaijan pavilion

Within the framework of COP29, a High-Level Ministerial Meeting on Improving climate-resistant agricultural practices was held in the Azerbaijani pavilion operating in the “Blue Zone”.

The panel discussion on”Food, Agriculture and Water Day" was moderated by Viorel Gutu, regional representative of the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) for Europe and Central Asia.

Speaking at the meeting, Minister of Agriculture Majnun Mammadov spoke about the measures taken to develop climate-resistant agriculture in Azerbaijan. The Minister said that in addition to the implementation of projects related to various climatic conditions, limited water resources and the restoration of newly liberated lands in Karabakh, special importance is attached to the application of innovations in the agrarian sphere, international cooperation in this direction.

Azerbaijan's climate sustainability policy framework includes sustainable and proper management of land and water resources. It was noted that the government of Azerbaijan attaches special importance to reducing climate risks and increasing the efficiency of water resources through climate-resistant agricultural practices. Modernization of irrigation systems and efficient water management in arid regions are of great importance. The activities of farmers in Azerbaijan are thoroughly supported. Subsidy programs, low-interest loans and investment grants enable farmers to switch to climate-sustainable practices, adopt new technologies, increase productivity and reduce environmental impacts: “these efforts ensure that our farmers are equipped to meet today's challenges and take advantage of tomorrow's opportunities”.

Speaking at the event, Uruguay's Minister of Agriculture and Livestock Fernando Mattos Costa said that in light of climate change, limited land and water resources are putting pressure on the agricultural production process. Noting the importance of the development of small farms, the Uruguayan Minister stressed the importance of comprehensive and necessary support for agricultural producers in this direction.

Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Forestry of the Republic of Turkiye Ahmet Bagci informed about the policy frameworks that support climate sustainability in his country. He stressed the importance of international cooperation in the direction of innovations in agricultural technology, sustainable land and water management practices to ensure food security in different countries.

Deputy Minister of Agriculture of Kazakhstan Ermek Kenzhehanuly brought to the attention that special importance is attached to the construction of sustainable agriculture on the basis of modern technologies in his country. It was noted that Kazakhstan, which is in the process of transforming agriculture into modern and digital agriculture, uses digital technologies to develop rural areas and integrate them into the value chain.

Panel discussions continued in question-answer format.