BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 8. New subsidy
programs may be introduced in Azerbaijan in the future to promote
digitalization in the agricultural sector, Azerbaijan’s Minister of
Agriculture Majnun Mammadov told Trend.
He made the remarks in an exclusive comment on the sidelines of
Baku Climate Action Week 2026 (BCAW 2026).
“Within a year, it will be possible to measure and assess the
extent to which this event has contributed to farmers’ digital
transformation and increased awareness in this area. After that, we
will determine how additional new subsidy programs can be
introduced to accelerate the transition to digitalization,”
Mammadov said.
According to the minister, current subsidy programs primarily
focus on improving efficiency, managing water resources, promoting
modern irrigation systems and increasing productivity rather than
expanding cultivated areas. “In the future, promoting digital
knowledge, the use of digital opportunities and the implementation
of various digital platforms may also become part of subsidy
programs,” he added.
Mammadov noted that the growing number of electronic, artificial
intelligence and other digital platforms available on the market
will also have a positive impact on farmers’ adoption of new
technologies. “The more electronic, artificial intelligence and
digital platforms operate in the market, the broader the links
between private companies and farmers will become. This will allow
farmers to improve their knowledge and understanding of digital
platforms, artificial intelligence, various software solutions and
mobile applications,” the minister said.
He also noted that Azerbaijan aims to increase the total area
equipped with modern irrigation systems to 300,000 hectares by
2030. According to Mammadov, as of early 2026, the area covered by
modern irrigation systems in Azerbaijan amounted to 130,000
hectares. “The state program envisages increasing the area equipped
with modern irrigation systems to 300,000 hectares by 2030. At the
beginning of 2026, this figure stood at 130,000 hectares. Our goal
is to bring it to 300,000 hectares,” he said.
The minister added that Azerbaijan’s subsidy policy also
prioritizes the introduction of modern irrigation systems. “In all
crop subsidy programs and other types of subsidies, increases have
been introduced for the use of modern irrigation systems. No such
increases are envisaged in other areas. This will also have a
positive impact,” Mammadov said.
He added that after farmers register through the Electronic
Agricultural Information System (EKTIS) and submit their
declarations, relevant assessments will be carried out regarding
the introduction of modern irrigation systems.
The second day of the Fourth Climate Week (CW4) of the UN
Framework Convention on Climate Change is being held in Baku.
The main focus of the second day is on sustainable cities,
transport, water resources and agriculture.
Representatives of governments and international organizations,
experts, financial institutions, the private sector, and civil
society from various countries are attending the events.
Now in its third year, Baku Climate Action Week is being held in
parallel with the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change
(UNFCCC) Climate Week for the first time this year. The Fourth
Climate Week and Baku Climate Action Week will feature a series of
sessions, panel discussions and other events on climate change,
climate finance, sustainable development and accelerating climate
action.
Baku Climate Action Week (BCAW 2026) will continue until
September 11.
