Minister Inam Karimov attended the 14th Berlin Conference of Ministers of Agriculture

The 14^th Berlin Conference of Ministers of Agriculture started its work as an important part of the Global Forum on Food and Agriculture. Officials from over 64 countries, as well as senior officials of influential international organizations attended this prestigious international event, which is considered a meeting platform for the Ministers of Agriculture.

Azerbaijan was represented by the Minister of Agriculture Inam Karimov at this international event. The Global Forum on Food and Agriculture, covering January 24-28, 2022, was held under the slogan “Sustainable land use: food security starts from land”.

Speaking at the panel discussion of the conference on “Limited land resources”, the Minister of Agriculture Inam Karimov said that land and water are vital to meet the rapidly growing world population's needs for food. But these resources are limited and shrinking.

It was noted that over the past 19 years, despite the fact that the area of agricultural land in the world has decreased by 3%, production has increased by 53%. Increasing productivity to meet the demand for food increases pressure on land.

Participants of the event were informed that the global food system is also suffering from climate change. The introduction of new technologies and digital solutions allows you to minimize the effects of climate change, to continuously and correctly use land and water resources. Thus, digitized agriculture based on innovative research provides efficient use of limited resources.

Inam Karimov noted that currently the government of Azerbaijan pays special attention to the digitalization of the country's agricultural sector. At the same time, measures are being taken to support the proper and efficient use of land and water resources and the widespread use of new irrigation technologies in Azerbaijan.

The Minister added that Azerbaijan, which has joined strategic initiatives to reduce the negative effects of global climate change on the environment, supports effective cooperation on international platforms and is open to any effective partnership.

The main topics of discussion at the conference were food security and sustainable development through the creation of a sustainable agricultural system in line with new challenges, increasing productivity by protecting the environment, building a quality food production chain, and the importance of global cooperation in these areas. The event participants emphasized the importance of scientific innovations, innovation and expansion of the application of digital solutions in the agricultural sector.

The final declaration of the conference reflects the calls for collective action in various areas on protection of land and water resources, efficient use of natural resources and strengthening efforts. These challenges are aimed at preventing global warming, protecting land, protecting biodiversity, preventing soil pollution, efficient use of water resources, promoting proper use of fertilizers and ensuring joint activities towards building effective land management.