One of the primary directives issued following the liberation of Azerbaijani territories from occupation was the immediate reintegration of these lands into the country's agricultural cycle. Operative Information Center-OMM reports that President Ilham Aliyev made these remarks during a meeting with residents of Shukurbayli.
"Every year, following the harvest season, I receive and review reports on the progress of grain production development," President Ilham Aliyev stated, emphasizing that grain farming is currently expanding across Azerbaijan. The head of state noted that while the soil in the Garabagh region is naturally fertile, current productivity levels are hindered by decades of mismanagement during the occupation period.
"The soil here is very fertile, as you well know. However, experts, including foreign specialists, have explained that the land was exploited so poorly and irregularly that it may take 5 to 10 years to fully revitalize these areas. Just as they plundered our natural resources, they have also significantly degraded our land. Therefore, we must restore these territories based on our general strategy for agricultural development, utilizing modern agro-technical measures and advanced irrigation systems," the President added, recalling the region's historical success in viticulture during the Soviet era.
The restoration of agriculture in Garabagh and East Zangilan is a cornerstone of Azerbaijan's "Great Return" program. Following the 44-day war in 2020, the Republic of Azerbaijan has prioritized demining and infrastructure development to facilitate the resettlement of former internally displaced persons (IDPs) and the economic revitalization of the liberated districts.
