Aliyev asks Azerbaijani govt to take measures to increase self-sufficiency in essential foods

BAKU. May 26 (Interfax) - Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has asked the government to take measures to increase self-sufficiency in essential foods.

"Wheat production. We satisfy only 55% of our wheat needs, and unfortunately, this ratio is not increasing. We are just treading water. For many years, wheat production in our country has remained at this level, despite a very significant impetus having been provided and many agroparks established," Aliyev said a meeting dedicated to agricultural issues.

The creation of agroparks has played a very large role in the development of agriculture," he said. "Despite this, our wheat production and its self-sufficiency ratio have not increased. Domestic production stands at 1.573 million tonnes, while imports are at 1.267 million tonnes. We must reduce these imports. We should not set a goal to satisfy 100% of our food wheat needs ourselves. However, in any case, 55% is an unacceptable figure, and it must absolutely increase," he said.

For instance, in grain production, 3.2 tonnes of crop are harvested per hectare today. The goal is to increase yields to 5 tonnes per hectare.

"The situation for other cereals is fundamentally positive; we are 95% self-sufficient, and imports are minimal. Legumes: domestic production stands at 23,000 tonnes, while imports amount to 15,000 tonnes. In other words, our self-sufficiency is 63%," Aliyev said.

"Potatoes: we are 91% self-sufficient and import 160,000 tonnes. However, I must also note that we also export 71,000 tonnes. Therefore, the deficit here is not significant. There is also potential to increase potato production, and we must eliminate imports entirely, fully meet our domestic needs, and at the same time expand export volumes," he said.

"Vegetables, melons and gourds, fruits, and berries: the situation here is positive. We are 107% self-sufficient in vegetables and export 214,000 tonnes. Domestic production stands at 1.77 million tonnes. Melons and gourds amount to 460,000 tonnes, with almost no imports. Exports stand at 18,000 tonnes, corresponding to a 104% self-sufficiency level. Fruits and berries: we have a 140% self-sufficiency level, with production reaching 1.4 million tonnes. Naturally, there are imports as well, as certain fruits are brought in that do not grow locally. However, exports are also substantial, reaching approximately 600,000 tonnes," Aliyev said.

Grape self-sufficiency is 92%, with production of 211,000 tonnes, imports of 28,000 tonnes and exports totaling 10,000 tonnes.

"Beef: we are 84% self-sufficient; 30,000 tonnes are imported, and domestic production stands at 150,000 tonnes. Poultry: 82%; production is 147,000 tonnes, and imports stand at 32,000 tonnes. Mutton and goat meat: 94%; production is 88,000 tonnes, and imports stand at 5,000 tonnes. Eggs: 2.34 billion are produced; there are no imports, as they are not needed, while exports stand at 90 million," Aliyev said.

Fish and fish product self-sufficiency is 81%, vegetable oil - 52%, butter - 62%, pasta - 89% and sugar - 102%.

I am presenting these figures for investors and inviting them to contribute to the local production of goods that we currently import. We must achieve 100% self-sufficiency in meat, milk, and poultry. I stated the figures: they are currently at approximately 80%-90%," Aliyev said.