BAKU, Azerbaijan, Jan.12
By Fidan Babayeva - Trend:
The analysis of the hazelnut growing and production sectors within the project ‘Accelerating effective and sustainable development in the field of hazelnut growing in Azerbaijan’, implemented under the Program of Partnership with the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) by the project group, will be continued, the FAO Partnership and Liaison Office in the country told Trend.
According to the source, the outcome of the analysis will be preparation of hazelnut growing areas’ geographical map in 2021.
The organization stressed that along with the above, support will be provided in strengthening the capacity of the Research Institute of Fruit and Tea Growing, as well as in carrying out additional research on the cultivation of high-quality planting material for hazelnuts, including varieties, checking the genetic purity and reproduction of planting material in laboratory conditions.
"Besides, it’s planned to conduct a feasibility study of the energy potential of the remains of hazelnuts. In addition, it is planned to conduct numerous trainings for farmers, organize trips to hazelnut fields, and publish various types of educational materials," the source said.
As reported, the forenamed project’s implementation has begun since 2020.
According to a representative of the FAO, the strategy was developed on the basis of the project ‘Strengthening agricultural consulting services’, funded by the European Union and implemented by the FAO.
Azerbaijan is one of the five largest producers of hazelnuts in the world (along with Turkey, Italy, the UN and Georgia).
The government provides local farmers involved in this area with significant support in the form of benefits. The area planted with hazelnuts is increasing every year. According to statistics, in 2018, the total production of hazelnuts in Azerbaijan amounted to 52,000 tons.
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