OMM Redaksiyası
Azerbaijan will introduce new subsidy and state support mechanisms for agricultural producers. Additional assistance is planned for farmers using modern irrigation systems, as well as for horticultural, livestock and greenhouse operations.
“Operative Information Center-OMM” reports that Agriculture Minister Majnun Mammadov announced the measures during a panel discussion on “State support mechanisms in agriculture” held as part of the “Agro Business Festival.”
Subsidy of 400 manats per hectare
The minister said that previously, a subsidy of 200 manats per hectare was paid for land cultivated under rain-fed, surface-irrigation and conventional-irrigation methods. Under the new mechanism, the amount will rise to as much as 400 manats per hectare for land in specialized districts where modern irrigation systems are used.
The same mechanism is also being applied in the liberated territories, he said.
Mammadov noted that the mechanism has been in place in the liberated territories for two years. Taking the results into account, it will be rolled out in other regions starting next year.
Additional subsidies for wheat producers
Farmers producing food-grade wheat in specialized districts using modern irrigation systems will receive an additional subsidy of 100 manats per tonne.
The payment will be made after laboratory testing confirms the wheat is suitable for food use and it has been delivered for processing.
Additional subsidies are also planned for other producers who do not use modern irrigation systems. Farmers in specialized districts who deliver food-grade wheat to processing plants will be eligible for an additional 50 manats per tonne.
Horticultural support of up to 20,000 manats
Another new support mechanism will apply to horticultural farms.
One-time subsidies are planned to encourage the planting of various fruit crops in the liberated territories and Nakhchivan.
According to the minister, support in this area could range from 2,000-3,000 manats per hectare to as much as 20,000 manats.
Higher discounts for farm equipment
New discounts are also planned for agricultural machinery, modern irrigation systems, trailers, covered hay-storage facilities and silos.
The existing 40% discount is expected to increase to as much as 50% in several areas.
For locally produced modern irrigation systems, the discount is set to rise to up to 60%.
New support for greenhouses
New state support mechanisms have also been developed for greenhouse operations.
A 20% state discount will apply to locally produced metal structures and glass.
In addition, subsidies calculated per hectare are planned, with the amount depending on the type of greenhouse.
Livestock subsidies to increase
New subsidy mechanisms are also planned for the livestock sector.
Under the proposal, an annual subsidy of 500 manats would be paid for each female animal imported into the country. A subsidy of 800 manats would be provided for new-breed animals born from those imports and raised in Azerbaijan to support herd turnover, the minister said.
Additional support will also be available to entrepreneurs establishing new farms.
New dairy farms are set to receive 1,500 manats per animal, while beef farms would receive an additional 1,000-manat subsidy per animal.
The minister said these payments would be provided in addition to the existing 60% discount mechanism.
Artificial insemination subsidy rules to change
Changes are also planned to the subsidy mechanism for artificial insemination.
The subsidy for each calf born through artificial insemination, previously 100 manats, is set to be reduced to 75 manats.
However, a 150-manat subsidy is planned for new animals born through artificial insemination from those animals and intended to help expand the herd.
The new mechanisms aim to promote modern irrigation systems, the delivery of produce for processing, the use of new technologies and the breeding of more productive livestock in Azerbaijan’s agricultural sector.
