It is possible to increase agricultural exports to 4-5 billion dollars.
Member of Parliament Ali Masimli stated in an interview with Modern.az that international experience shows sustainable development in the agricultural sector is possible not only through subsidies, but also through the correct combination of effective management, market mechanisms, and advanced technologies.
According to him, one of the most successful examples in this field is the Netherlands: “The Netherlands, with an area half the size of Azerbaijan, exports agricultural products worth 110 billion dollars annually based on an innovative agricultural model. This indicator surpasses Azerbaijan's oil and gas exports several times over.”
The MP noted that although it may not be realistic for Azerbaijan to reach this level, the agricultural sector possesses significant potential as one of the main directions of the non-oil economy: “In 2025, agricultural products worth 1.1 billion dollars were exported from the country, which represents an 18.5 percent increase compared to the previous year. Considering the existing opportunities, it is possible to increase agricultural exports to 4-5 billion dollars in the near future.”
"To achieve this goal, it is crucial to establish strong agro-industrial complexes, develop a long-term development strategy, and expand state incentive programs. He stated that with a phased approach, increasing exports first to 2 billion dollars, and then to 4-5 billion dollars, is a realistic target."
The MP added that the application of digital technologies in agriculture, increasing labor productivity, and enhancing efficiency are among the main priorities: “For the agricultural sector's role in the non-oil economy to grow, its growth rates must surpass the overall GDP growth.”
"Efficient utilization of agricultural potential can both strengthen food security and improve the welfare of the rural population: “It is possible to improve the living standards of nearly 1.8 million people working in this sector and reduce migration from regions to the capital,” he noted.
A. Masimli also emphasized the importance of expanding farmers' use of insurance: “Insurance mechanisms should be widely applied to protect against risks such as floods and droughts. This can significantly contribute to increasing productivity and quality, reducing losses, and consequently expanding agricultural exports.”
