The 5th Agribusiness Development Forum was held in Baku on May 6. The anniversary forum, which was jointly organized by the Agricultural Credit and Development Agency (AKIA) under the Ministry of Agriculture, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) within the framework of the “Caspian Agro Week”, was dedicated to the national agri-food agenda.
First, the National Anthem of Azerbaijan was played, and a minute of silence was observed in memory of our heroic martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the Motherland.
Minister of Agriculture Majnun Mammadov said that the Agribusiness Development Forum is an important platform for discussing strategic approaches to strengthening national agri-food systems in order to ensure food security, diversify the economy and promote sustainable development.
The Minister noted that under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, a consistent and purposeful policy is being implemented in our country towards diversifying the economy, developing regions and highlighting agriculture as a strategic sector. The application of digitalization and innovations in agriculture is being developed as a priority direction. The expansion of electronic services, the introduction of data-based decision-making systems and the development of artificial intelligence-based solutions are aimed at increasing the productivity and sustainability of our farmers.
Mukhtar Babayev, Representative of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan on Climate Issues, noted that important reforms are being implemented in the agricultural sector in accordance with the strategic priorities set by the head of state and the adopted state programs. More efficient use of resources, the application of climate-resilient approaches, and the formation of modern agricultural and livestock complexes are among the important steps taken.
Nasar Hayat, Head of the FAO Partnership and Coordination Office in Azerbaijan, drew attention to the fact that the world is currently in the era of digital revolution, and technological solutions have become an important factor in solving the challenges facing agriculture. He emphasized the importance of producing more products with fewer resources.
Jiangfeng Zhang, Director of the Agriculture, Food, Nature and Rural Development Sector Office of the Asian Development Bank, emphasized that economic diversification of the agri-food system and the development of competitive and inclusive agriculture are one of the main requirements of the modern era. He drew attention to the importance of the agricultural sector as a modern innovation-oriented sector and the implementation of continuous necessary measures in this sector.
The most successful banks and leasing organizations in the agricultural sector were awarded within the framework of the forum.
After the official speeches, the forum continued its work with panel and round table discussions.
