Azerbaijan has approved the State Program for the development of agricultural, fishery, and aquaculture production and processing for the years 2026-2030.
President Ilham Aliyev has signed a decree in this regard, Operative Information Center-OMM reports.
Under the decree, the Cabinet of Ministers is tasked with submitting proposals within three months, based on the suggestions of the Ministry of Agriculture, to improve the regulatory framework in agricultural production and processing. Furthermore, within six months, the Cabinet of Ministers must address the reclassification or change of target designation of lands in territorial units where wheat, cotton, and livestock farms are planned to be established, and report on the progress of these measures to the President of Azerbaijan once a year.
The Ministry of Agriculture is required to approve the list of territorial units designated for wheat, cotton, and livestock farming within three months and report to the President of Azerbaijan.
The Ministry of Economy must submit proposals within three months regarding interest subsidies through the Azerbaijan Business Development Fund for manat-denominated loans received by farms from credit institutions, as well as subsidizing investment projects. Starting from 2027, the ministry will take measures to subsidize interest on loans for up to five years for farms and suppliers utilizing modern technologies, having a feed base, and breeding pedigree animals or fish.
Additionally, the Food Safety Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan will ensure the one-time identification of cattle and small ruminants across all livestock farms at the expense of the state budget, integrating this data into the Automated Food Safety and Electronic Agriculture information systems. The Azerbaijan State Water Resources Agency is directed to improve water supply for these farms.
The Center for Analysis of Economic Reforms and Communication will monitor and evaluate the program's implementation. The Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Economy, together with the Ministry of Agriculture, will ensure necessary funding is allocated in the annual state budgets and public investment programs.
Agriculture remains a key non-oil sector of Azerbaijan's economy. The new state program aligns with the country's strategic goals to ensure food security, reduce import dependency, and promote sustainable rural development through modern technology and financial incentives.
