Minister: Grain covers 74% of land, yields only 11% Azerbaijan's output

In Azerbaijan, grain and fodder crops occupy 74% of farmland, yet they account for only 11% of agricultural production, according to the Azerbaijani Agriculture Minister Majnun Mammadov, Report informs.

He made the remarks during public hearings at the Milli Majlis's (Parliament) Committee on Agrarian Policy regarding tasks arising from the State Program for the Development of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Aquaculture Production and Processing for 2026–2030.

"In fact, we allocate more land resources to less valuable, lower-yield crops. The Netherlands imports mainly two products – grain and fodder crops. Israel faces a similar situation. These countries have limited land, so they focus on maximizing value per square meter or hectare, prioritizing crops that generate higher returns," he emphasized.

The minister added that Azerbaijan's situation is somewhat different: "Grain production is strategically important for us, as it is part of our daily life. We cannot abandon it, which is why a large share of our land is devoted to grain and fodder crops. Our goal is to increase productivity."

He noted that historically, Azerbaijan's agrarian economy was characterized by policies encouraging more land under cultivation, which created jobs and opportunities. "Over time, agriculture has become fully private. The state no longer engages directly in production or trade. Today, the private sector produces and processes all output, and profitability is its main concern. We should not simply cultivate more land; we must achieve higher yields with fewer resources. The State Program's main goal is to achieve this transformation, starting with changing mindsets. This is why we have seen a decline in agricultural growth dynamics in recent years," Mammadov stressed.