Review of agriculture in Azerbaijan (I Quarter 2013)

The agrarian sector is important for the country because of an important role of the agricultural sector in continuous and sustainable development of the country's economy, its multiplier effect for the economy, its role in diversifying the economy and ensuring food security, developing the regions and villages, poverty reduction and unemployment.

In 2013, Azerbaijan plans to fully provide itself with grain at the expense of domestic production. According to the forecasts for 2013, about 965,000 hectares will be allotted for sowing area of ​​grain, of which about 700,000 hectares - wheat, 250,000 hectares - barley and other cereals.

The process of establishing the large grain farms started in Beylagan and Agjabadi regions to meet the population's demand for grain. The operations are underway to create them in other regions.

At present, some 871,220 rural households, 2,343 agricultural enterprises, 2,593 individual entrepreneurs' farms, 531 agro-processing enterprises operate in Azerbaijan.

The concessions and subsidies for farmers, rendering agroleasing services, using modern technologies, purchasing of breeding animals and other measures within the state support made a contribution to the agricultural development.

According to the State Statistics Committee, as of April 1, 2013, spring crops were planted at a 112,000 hectare area, which is 7.1 percent more than in the same period of last year. Increasing the sown area of ​​spring crops is associated with an increase in a sown area under perennial plants by 12.1 percent, beet by 55.8 percent and by 35.7 percent of the sown area of melons.

Sowing of spring plants in Azerbaijani agriculture, hectare

source: Azerbaijani state statistics committee

There is still a lull in animal husbandry. The livestock production growth was observed in January-March 2013 compared to the previous year. Thus, during the period, the meat was produced to the amount of 104,600 tons or by 2.5 percent more, 394,500 tons of milk or 5.4 percent more compared to January-March 2012. Around 326.8 million eggs or 14.3 percent more were produced during the same period compared to the same period of last year.

As of early April 2013, there were 2.721.8 million heads of cattle, including 1.306.5 million cows and buffaloes, 8.851.3 million sheep and goats in the Azerbaijani livestock sector. The number of cows and buffaloes increased by 1.3 percent, sheep and goats - by 0.7 percent compared to the same period of 2012.

The timely zootechnical and veterinary activities and work on improving the productive qualities of the breed of cattle had a positive impact on the dynamic development of animal husbandry.

Production of main livestock products in Jan.-March 2013, tons

source: Azerbaijani state statistics committee

The agricultural production increased by 4.4 percent to 528.9 million manat, vegetable and crop production increased by 6.5 percent, livestock - by 4.3 percent in Azerbaijan in the first quarter of 2013.