Scientific-practical conference on sustainable development of agriculture held at Agricultural Economics Research Center

On December 15, online scientific-practical conference entitled "Sustainable Development of Agriculture: Global Challenges and Reforms in Azerbaijan" was held at the Agricultural Economics Research Center. The themes of “improving the efficiency of resource use in the agricultural sector”, “preserving and improving land and water resources” “improving the economic development level and social welfare in rural areas”, “developing agriculture in the liberated territories” and “improving mechanisms for sustainable agricultural development” were discussed at the conference.

Minister of Agriculture, Inam Karimov said that the development of the agricultural sector was declared as a priority by President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev. As a result of consistently implemented measures, the agricultural sector has entered a new stage of its development, and the pace of its development continues. The fields on sustainable development of agriculture are worked in Azerbaijan: “as you know that the main task facing agriculture is to achieve sustainable development. Increasing agricultural production, provided that it does not undermine the ability of future generations to meet their needs, and also requires the conservation of existing natural resources and ecosystems”.

The Minister emphasized the role of innovative technologies in achieving sustainable development in agriculture and preserving the ecological balance.

Speaking at the conference, chairman of the Committee on Agricultural Policy of the National Assembly, Tahir Rzayev noted that the sustainable development of the agricultural sector also requires the adoption of relevant laws, the creation of a legal framework: “the new period creates new realities. The state of land and water resources, climate change, seed problems, the human factor, our lands liberated from occupation - these are already new realities. And new realities require a new approach, new laws, as well as additions and changes to existing laws”.

The head of FAO Partnership and Liaison Office in Azerbaijan, Melek Chakmak, spoke about Azerbaijan’s successful and fruitful cooperation with international organizations, especially FAO, in line with global challenges in the field of sustainable development of agriculture. He stressed that Azerbaijan is one of the countries reacting to new global challenges and fulfilling its obligations with dignity.

Melek Chakmak also talked about important projects implemented together with FAO by the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

The next speaker of the conference was Vusal Gasimli, director of the Center for Economic Reforms Analysis and Communication. In his speech, he focused mainly on improving management and introducing new technologies: “the sustainable development of the agricultural sector in Azerbaijan is reflected both in the 10-year new development strategy and in the documents prepared in the field of post-conflict construction. In addition to attracting new land, water and other resources into circulation, the agricultural sector can also ensure sustainable development by improving management, introducing new technologies, attracting highly qualified personnel and increasing access to markets. The agricultural sector is important for food and food security, regional development, employment and the non-resource economy”.

The vice-president of National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), Irada Huseynova noted that innovative technologies should be widely used to increase productivity in agriculture and to maintain ecological balance.

Rector of Azerbaijan State Agricultural University, Ibrahim Jafarov gave detailed information about the implementation work in the field of agrarian science development at the educational institution, and stressed that the approach to agrarian science in the country has changed as a result of the stimulating implementation measures in recent years.

At the end, the director of the Agro Researches Center, Firdovsi Fikratzade informed about the plans of agriculture restoration on the liberated lands. The director drew attention to the international experience on the restoration of agriculture in the post-conflict period and made a presentation reflecting the forecasts on the potential of agricultural production in the liberated territories.

Representatives of academic circles, specialists, as well as young scientists related to the agricultural sphere discussed the themes at the conference.