FAO: Achieving higher productivity with fewer resources is essential

Achieving higher agricultural productivity with less water and fewer resources is necessary, Nasar Hayat, FAO Resident Representative in Azerbaijan, said on the second day of Baku Climate Action Week 2026 (BCAW 2026) speaking on behalf of the UN Coordinator in the country, Report informs.

Hayat noted that agriculture is both a sector that contributes to climate change and one that is affected by it: "Acting at this stage is truly critical. Until we reach the time when the impacts of climate change can be reversed, we must work on adaptation. Rising temperatures, prolonged droughts, soil degradation, water scarcity, and more frequent extreme weather events are already affecting agriculture."

The official also pointed out that food security worldwide is under serious pressure, with 733 million people suffering from food shortages.

"At the same time, global demand for food is increasing. While agricultural productivity has decreased by 20%, demand has risen. This means we are facing a situation where, if no action is taken, the gap will continue to grow. Our task is not simply to produce more food. We must ensure that farmers can adapt to changing climate conditions and maintain their livelihoods, while producing more with fewer natural resources," he stated.