BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 6. On May 6, the 5th Agribusiness Development Forum was held in Baku, Trend reports.
The forum, timed to coincide with the anniversary and dedicated to the national agri-food agenda, took place as part of “Caspian Agro Week” and was jointly organized by the Agency for Agricultural Credit and Development (AKID) under the Ministry of Agriculture, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), and the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
First, the National Anthem of Azerbaijan was played, and a moment of silence was observed in memory of our heroic martyrs who gave their lives for their homeland.
Minister of Agriculture Majnun Mammadov stated that the Agribusiness Development Forum is an important platform for discussing strategic approaches to strengthening national agri-food systems to ensure food security, diversify the economy, and promote sustainable development.
The Minister noted that under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, Azerbaijan is pursuing a consistent and targeted policy of economic diversification, regional development, and the prioritization of agriculture as a strategic sector. A key priority is the introduction of digitalization and innovation in agriculture. The expansion of e-services, the use of data-driven decision-making systems, and the development of artificial intelligence-based solutions are aimed at increasing the productivity and sustainability of our farmers.
Mukhtar Babayev, the Representative of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan on Climate Issues, noted that significant reforms are underway in the agro-industrial sector in line with the strategic priorities set by the head of state and the state programs that have been adopted. Key steps include more efficient use of resources, the adoption of climate-resilient approaches, and the development of modern agricultural and livestock complexes.
Nasar Hayat, Head of the FAO Partnership and Coordination Office in Azerbaijan, noted that the world is currently in the midst of a digital revolution, and technological solutions have become a key factor in addressing the challenges facing agriculture. He emphasized that producing more with fewer resources is of great importance.
Qingfeng Zhang, Senior Director of the Agriculture, Food, Nature, and Rural Development (AFNR) Sector Office at the Asian Development Bank, emphasized that the economic diversification of the agri-food system and the development of competitive and inclusive agriculture are among the key requirements of the modern era. He highlighted the importance of continuously implementing the necessary measures in this sector.
As part of the forum, awards were presented to the most successful banking and leasing organizations in the agricultural sector.
Following the official speeches, the forum continued with panel discussions and roundtables.
