BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 5. Azerbaijan aims
to increase its annual aquaculture production from the current
3,400 tons to 7,700 tons by 2030, Minister of Agriculture Majnun
Mammadov said, Trend's correspondent reports from the event.
He made the remarks at the First Azerbaijan Regional Aquaculture
Forum held in Baku on Thursday, November 5.
The minister said the increase would help improve the supply of
the domestic market with locally produced goods, reduce dependence
on imports and expand export opportunities.
According to him, the State Program for the Development of
Agricultural, Fisheries and Aquaculture Production and Processing
in the Republic of Azerbaijan for 2026–2030, approved by an order
of President Ilham Aliyev, sets out the key priorities for the
coming years.
"The program envisages bringing the legal framework for
fisheries in line with international standards, digitalizing
management and oversight mechanisms, protecting fish stocks and
modernizing fish-breeding facilities. It also aims to identify
suitable production areas, strengthen breeding capacity, establish
an aquaculture agro-park, and develop subsidy and incentive
mechanisms," the minister said.
Mammadov emphasized that the development of fisheries and
aquaculture creates significant opportunities to strengthen food
security, increase employment in the regions and promote
entrepreneurship. Realizing this potential requires the
introduction of modern technologies, the integration of scientific
knowledge into production and the promotion of investment.
The minister added that the establishment of the Fisheries and
Aquaculture Center had created the necessary institutional
framework for the sector's development under a unified approach.
The center's key areas of activity include protecting aquatic
biological resources, restoring fish stocks and preventing illegal
fishing.
"Effective cooperation between the government, the private
sector and the scientific community is essential to achieving these
goals. As the Ministry of Agriculture, we attach particular
importance to supporting business initiatives, encouraging
investment, expanding access to modern technologies and increasing
the production capacity of existing facilities," he said.
Mammadov stressed that expanding production should be based on
the principles of efficient water resource management, maintaining
ecological balance, restoring natural fish stocks and protecting
biodiversity.
The minister also highlighted the importance of expanding
cooperation with Caspian littoral and neighboring countries in
scientific research, specialist training and technology
exchange.
