Azerbaijan, Baku / Trend corr I. Khalilova / Grain production in Azerbaijan will make up 2mln tons in 2007, with 1.9mln tons already harvested, the Azerbaijan Agriculture Deputy Minister, Bahram Aliyev, reported on 28 August.
"Taking into consideration the current available reserves partially obtained through import of Kazakh grain, Azerbaijan's demands in that field will be completely met," Aliyev said.
Azerbaijan has reserved 600,000-700,000 tons of grain. So, it will be enough to import an additional 300,000 tons, the deputy minister said. Azerbaijan's annual grain demand comprises 3mln tons.
Despite a lack of problems in local grain production, the deputy minister found it difficult to comment on the further price situation in Azerbaijan's bread market. "Though the Government has removed VAT for grain, it is difficult to forecast a decrease or increase in bread prices by the end of the year," Aliyev said.