The natural reserves, especially agriculture potential of the territories liberated from the Armenian occupation are of high significance for the economic development of Azerbaijan. Works on the development of agriculture in these lands have already been launched. The people, who used to have a farm in Karabakh, are making plans regarding what they are going to do after returning there.
Before the occupation, Karabakh land had high agricultural indicators. The biggest share of corn, cotton, grape, meat and milk, wool and cocoon production fell on those territories. Now, preparation works are underway to bring back the previous fame of the region’s agrarian field. After the settlement process is launched, residents, who will want to be engaged in agriculture, will be provided with agrarian equipment, seeds, fertilizers and other necessary stuff. There is great potential in the region for the production of agricultural products for export.
Zangilan resident Kazim Aghayev, who earlier worked as the chairman of the kolkhoz in the region, says that the facility was specializing in viticulture, grain growing and animal husbandry: “As soon as I arrive there, I will be engaged in viticulture and apiculture. My children tell me, “Father, let us go". We are waiting for the day to go.”
Nizam Gasimov is also one of those who are waiting for the day to return to the native land: “I had a 1-ha grape area. We provided for ourselves, collected good harvest. We are looking forward to going there, taking an area and irrigating.”
Etibar Babaverdiyev, who is from Lachin’s Minkend village, notes that the region’s pastures were prolific. Annually, thousands of cattles were brought to their village to pastures. Our interviewee is preparing to go to Lachin’s pastures again: “We are returning to our village, our land with great desire. We will increase our farm. We have plenty of favorable conditions for animal husbandry. We are looking forward to those areas being cleared from mines, conditions being created. My plan is to purchase 200 cattle and 100 bees with the state support.”
Resident of Gubadli region’s Afandilar village Allahverdi Mustafayev says that he used to have a big family farm. When it comes to his plans, he wants to grow fruit gardens after returning to his village: “We are looking forward to the day we will return. Our lands are favorable, it is suitable for agriculture. Our family used to provided more than 3 tones of tobacco, 100 kg of cocoon; we were engaged in animal husbandry. We will establish that agricultural facility once again with the help of Mr. Ilham Aliyev, the state.”
Overall, in the upcoming years, the sown balance will be increased on the account of the territories liberated from occupation. Works have been launched in those areas in connection with the head of state’s tasks. The Ministry of Agriculture together with the “Azercosmos” OJSC has prepared the map of the sown areas based on the satellite photographs. When it comes to the development of agriculture in the country, last year, there was a 2% growth in this field. To provide farmers with agricultural equipment, 3, 000 farmers have been provided with 7, 260 agricultural equipment via over 100 private companies, as well as the sale of 8, 758 animals has been financed. In 2020, more than 3, 400 farmers were given microcredits.
Orkhan Gasimli
