BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 5. Cooperation between
the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and Azerbaijan is
growing stronger year by year, Muhammad Nasar Hayat, representative
of the FAO in the country, said at the 19th Azerbaijan
International Agricultural Exhibition and Forum, in Baku today,
Trend
reports.
According to him, at FAO, we are proud to be part of the most
important and influential platform of the year, bringing together
stakeholders committed to strengthening food security and
developing sustainable agriculture. This year's exhibition comes at
a particularly sensitive and important time for the agri-food
sector.
He noted that in an uncertain world characterized by disruptions
in supply chains and the pressures of climate change, the
importance of sustainable, innovative, and self-sufficient
agriculture has never been greater.
"The main directions of this year's program reflect precisely
this reality and are closely aligned with FAO's mandate, as well as
Azerbaijan's priorities.
This year, the role of women farmers is in the spotlight. It is
important to highlight their vital, but often invisible,
contribution to agriculture and food systems. Addressing the
barriers women face can lead to higher productivity, better
nutrition, and stronger resilience.
Climate change continues to pose serious challenges for farmers.
Therefore, efficient use of water resources, protection of soil
health, use of digital tools, and establishment of modern value
chains are no longer an option, but a necessity. The Caspian Agro
exhibition plays an important role in implementing these priorities
by combining innovations with real applications".
Nasar emphasized that cooperation between Azerbaijan and FAO is
growing stronger every year.
"Joint efforts are implementing more efficient irrigation
systems, strengthening cooperatives, supporting sustainable
management of land and water resources, and empowering farmers with
training and digital tools. These initiatives not only serve to
increase productivity, but also to improve human well-being,
protect ecosystems, and create new opportunities for rural
communities.
Agriculture remains a key pillar of Azerbaijan’s identity and
economic development. As the sector modernizes, FAO continues to
support farmers’ adaptation and development through innovation,
policy development, digital transformation and climate-resilient
solutions.
However we understand that true transformation is only possible
through collaborative efforts. Governments, international
organizations, the private sector, academia, farmers and
communities all have a critical role to play in building a
sustainable and productive agricultural future.
Noting the achievements of Azerbaijan's agri-food sector and
moving towards new horizons of cooperation, I would like to thank
each of you for your support and dedication to this field. Caspian
Agro is not just an exhibition. It is a place for learning,
collaboration, creativity, and partnership. The ideas discussed
here will influence the shaping of food systems in the years to
come.
As we work together for a more sustainable agricultural future,
we understand that we are doing so not only for future generations,
but also for ourselves. Our shared goal is to build a world where
land thrives, communities thrive, and every person is fed with
dignity.
On behalf of FAO, I wish each of you a successful and inspiring
exhibition. I hope that your discussions will lead to real
solutions and your partnerships to progress, contributing to a more
sustainable agricultural future for Azerbaijan," Nasar added.
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