BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 12. Carbon footprint reduction in agriculture ranks among vital goals, Head of the Department for Work with Farmers, Associations and Cooperatives of the Ministry of Agriculture of Azerbaijan Leyli Aghayeva told Trend.
According to her, the agricultural sector is one of the sectors directly affected and threatened by climate change.
"Massive reforms are being carried out in the agricultural sector to address the consequences of climate change. Water resource management and the efficient use of land resources are at the heart of these reforms. Effective water resource management is one of the main priorities in our agriculture.
The primary focus of the reforms is to support our farmers with modern technologies and sustainable, proper water resource management. Innovative approaches and modern technologies play an important role in combating climate change.
In this context, irrigation systems are being modernized in Azerbaijan, opportunities for more efficient water use by farmers are being created, and investments are being made in renewable energy sources," she said.
The official mentioned that important issues such as global food security, water resource management, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions in agriculture will be discussed at many thematic events organized within the framework of COP29.
"These discussions will play a crucial role in adapting to climate change and ensuring the future sustainability of the agricultural sector. I would like to highlight that the issue of climate change and climate-smart agriculture will be particularly addressed during the Food, Agriculture, and Water Day at COP29. The Baku Climate Initiative for Farmers, Harmonia, was specifically created to support climate adaptation in agriculture.
This initiative will act as an aggregator, bringing together existing initiatives, coalitions, and networks related to agriculture, food, and water. Our goal is to share experience in this area, facilitate climate financing opportunities, and promote cooperation with local communities, especially by empowering women in rural areas.
Sustainable agricultural development within the framework of the Harmonia initiative will play an important role in addressing climate change both locally and globally. One of the main objectives of this initiative is to strengthen rural communities and increase their resilience to climate change.
To achieve this goal, it is essential to work closely with international organizations, multilateral development banks, and civil society, including NGOs, and provide local farmers with environmentally safe technologies and knowledge," Aghaeva added.
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