Azerbaijan, World Bank discuss new agriculture and irrigation project

Azerbaijan and the World Bank have discussed preparations for the Competitive, Resilient Agriculture and Irrigation Services (CRAIS) project, aimed at increasing the competitiveness of the country's agriculture sector and improving the efficiency of irrigation and drainage services.

According to Report, citing the Ministry of Agriculture, the discussions took place during a meeting between ministry officials and World Bank representatives.

The sides exchanged views on the role and areas of activity of the Agrarian Credit and Development Agency under the Ministry of Agriculture, the scope of the project components, financing, the geographical areas where the project would be implemented and its target beneficiaries.

Deputy Agriculture Minister Zaur Aliyev briefed World Bank representatives on the key priorities of the State Program for the Development of Agricultural, Fisheries and Aquaculture Production and Processing in the Republic of Azerbaijan for 2026-2030.

Aliyev said Azerbaijan was interested in expanding cooperation with the World Bank to increase the competitiveness and resilience of the agricultural sector, introduce modern financing mechanisms and implement new initiatives supporting agricultural development.