Azerbaijan, Baku, Jan. 23 / Trend , S.Babayeva /
Agricultural production costs were 3.3 billion manat in Azerbaijan in 2008. The figure is more than 535 million manat higher than in 2007, Agricultural Minister Ismat Abasov said.
Agriculture accounts for a 5.8-percent share in the GDP.
"This is due to the government's contribution to agriculture," Abasov said.
Roughly 146 million manat in subsidies were issued from the state budget for agricultural producers in 2007 and 2008.
A record harvest of 2.5 million tons was observed from 904,700 hectares in 2008. The average harvest per hectare reached 0.5 percent and accounted for 27.6 percent. Sugar-beet production reached 181,500 tons, vegetables - 1.2 million tons, fruits - 711,500 tons and grapes - 115,200 tons.