Minister: Azerbaijan expands beekeeping in liberated territories

More than 200,000 bee colonies have been moved to Azerbaijan's liberated territories this year, Agriculture Minister Majnun Mammadov said.

According to Report's correspondent in Karabakh, he made the remarks to journalists at the Second Honey Festival.

The minister also spoke about the development of beekeeping, efforts to increase honey production and broader agricultural activity in the liberated territories.

Mammadov said the festival aims to promote honey production in the liberated territories and contribute to raising the profile of honey produced in Kalbajar both in Azerbaijan and internationally.

"Nearly 40 stands have been set up at this year's festival, with around 40 farmers and beekeepers participating from different regions of Azerbaijan, as well as cooperatives established in the liberated territories," he said.

According to the minister, representatives of the diplomatic corps are also participating in the festival for the first time this year.

"We believe this will contribute to promoting the festival internationally," he said.

Mammadov stressed that Azerbaijan, and Kalbajar in particular, has longstanding beekeeping traditions. He said the state is supporting residents returning to the liberated territories in developing beekeeping and increasing honey production.

"In recent years, Azerbaijan has seen a significant increase in the number of bee colonies. There are currently 30,000 beekeepers and nearly 800,000 bee colonies across the country," he said.

The agriculture minister also noted an increase in grain production in the liberated territories.

"Grain production in the liberated territories stood at 61,000 tons in 2025 and has reached 76,000 tons this year. Yields have also increased compared with last year. The average yield was 12 centners per hectare last year and has risen to 19 centners this year. This is a substantial change," he said.

Mammadov said state support and incentive measures have also helped expand the use of modern irrigation systems in the liberated territories.

"More than 3,000 hectares are already being cultivated using modern irrigation systems. This is having a significant positive impact on productivity," he said.

He added that the process of allocating land plots to residents resettled in villages is continuing.

"Applications have been announced for land allocations in three villages of Aghdam and will be accepted until October 1," Mammadov said.

The minister noted that livestock farming has historically been one of the main agricultural activities in these territories.

"There is not a great deal of land available for cultivation here. The main focus is expected to be on developing cattle and small livestock farming. Areas are being allocated in newly established villages and surrounding areas for the construction of new farms. Farmers will be able to establish their farms there," he said.

Mammadov added that livestock has been moved to the liberated territories, particularly Kalbajar, every year since 2021.

More than 400,000 animals have been relocated to the liberated territories this year, he said.