In 2019, the Agrarian Credit and Development Agency (AKIA) under the Ministry of Agriculture granted concessional loans in the amount of 21,167.5 thousand manats to 723 entrepreneurs working in the agricultural sector in 58 districts of the country for the purpose of agricultural development. 705 permanent and temporary jobs were opened as a result of granting concessional loans. At the same time, loans in the amount of 32,235.2 thousand manats and subsidies in the amount of 59,951 thousand manats were given to 2,205 agricultural subjects for the acquisition of agricultural machinery, technological equipment, irrigation systems and equipment under preferential conditions.
In order to familiarize farmers with suppliers of agricultural machinery and financial institutions, as well as to educate them about the terms of sale of machinery, machinery fairs were held in 6 regions of the country (Shamkir, Barda, Sheki, Ujar, Guba, Lankaran) from May 20 to June 12, 2019.
During the reporting period, AKIA employees, together with representatives of authorized credit organizations, monitored 220 entrepreneurial farms that received loans. In 2019, during the monitoring of 172 entrepreneurial farms that received loans, negative situations were detected in 5 farms, and appropriate measures were taken to eliminate them.
To the producers of agricultural products across the Republic, fuel and motor oils used in the cultivation of farmland in 2019, as well as wheat and rice planting and re-planting, as well as cotton, tobacco, sugar beet and cocoons that they produced and delivered to suppliers in 2018 and 2019 according to the amount, subsidies in the amount of 114579.4 thousand manats were given to its producers at the expense of the state budget.
Within the framework of the AzAFF (Azerbaijan Agricultural Finance Facility) project successfully implemented in Azerbaijan since 2015 by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) with the financial support of the European Union (EU), the centralized AzALES, which is open for use by all credit institutions in Azerbaijan together with AKIA - The Agricultural Credit Evaluation System (KTKQS) has been established.
In addition, the system was presented in most of the credit organizations operating in the country, and a delegation of experts from AKIA and advanced banks visited Turkey to gain practical knowledge about the agricultural financial markets in Turkey and their Centralized KTKQS.
As a result of the work carried out, the interest of credit institutions in joining KTKQS has been determined, contracts related to use have been prepared and the system is expected to start operating in 2020. The use of KTKQS will contribute to providing technical support to farmers in the country, as well as improving the granting of agricultural loans to credit institutions, risk management, facilitating access to credit for entrepreneurs, and increasing the volume of agricultural loans.
In addition, within the framework of the project, the FarmerALES system was developed. By using this system, farmers will be able to learn about the correct assessment of the financial situation of their farms for each agricultural product, the stability of their farms, and the relevance of their reports on income and expenses. By using the FarmerALES system, farmers will receive reports on which loan amount to apply for according to their activities. This will ensure that farmers are more flexible and ready to take loans.
In the framework of the project, starting from November 2019, training seminars on increasing financial literacy were held in Yardimly, Bilasuvar, Aghsu, Ismayilly, Oghuz, Gabala, Gadabay regions with the participation of farmers involved from local and surrounding regions.
Strategic Roadmap for the production and processing of agricultural products in the Republic of Azerbaijan", "State Program for the development of tea growing in the Republic of Azerbaijan for 2018-2027" State Program for the development of citrus fruit growing in the Republic of Azerbaijan for 2018-2025", "In the Republic of Azerbaijan In order to ensure the implementation of the relevant measures in the State Program for the Development of Tobacco Growing for 2017-2021 and the State Program for the Development of Viticulture in the Republic of Azerbaijan for 2012-2020, AKIA has implemented measures in 4 regions of the country (planting lemon groves in Lankaran region, Sheki region development of tobacco farming, development of tea cultivation in Masally region and viticulture in Shamakhi region) pilot projects were developed and started to be implemented in the current year. The following works were carried out within the framework of the projects.
35,000 lemon seedlings were purchased and planted in 50 hectares of new orchards in 28 villages of Lankaran region within the framework of the "pilot project for the expansion of family farms, small and medium entrepreneurship in the direction of citrus fruit (lemon) development" in Lankaran region, and restoration works were completed in 100 hectares of existing citrus orchards. Within the framework of the project, more than 300 farmers were trained to increase their knowledge and skills.
540,000 tea seedlings were purchased and planted in 5 villages of Masally region in 15 hectares of new plantations and newly created nursery areas within the framework of the "pilot project for the expansion of family farms, small and medium enterprises in the direction of tea cultivation development" in Masally region. In the framework of the project, trainings were organized for the purpose of increasing the knowledge and skills of more than 100 farmers.
62500 grape seedlings were purchased and planted on 25 hectares of land in Shamakhi district within the framework of the "pilot project for the expansion of family farms, small and medium enterprises in the direction of viticulture development" in Shamakhi district, new vineyards were planted and works on the restoration of 30 hectares of vineyards were completed. Within the framework of the project, it is planned to create permanent and seasonal jobs on 55 hectares of vineyard area in order to increase the knowledge and skills of more than 100 farmers, to give an additional impetus to the export of finished products in the country's agriculture.
In Sheki region, 30 hectares of existing tobacco plantations were restored within the framework of the "pilot project for strengthening the material and technical base of tobacco farms".
At the same time, within the framework of the pilot projects, 8 tractors, 6 garden tillers, 6 sprayers, 6 disc trowels, 6 herbicide spreaders, 8 tractor trailers, 4 fruit picking platforms, 6 cottons (3 trunks), 6 branches chopping unit, 120 pieces of personal protective equipment, 60 pieces of pruning shears, 2 pieces of cultivator, 2 pieces of arm sprayer, 2 pieces of motoblock (mill), 1 piece of pruning unit, 3 pieces of tobacco drying equipment by purchasing Fruit and Tea Cultivation, Viticulture and Winemaking, and Agriculture It has been handed over to Scientific Research Institutes.
During the additional funding period of the "Second Rural Investment Project" jointly implemented by the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the World Bank, 30 Women's Development Groups consisting of 10-20 women were created to provide business services to the women's Development Groups created within the framework of the economic empowerment of rural women, 5 pilot groups total 39, Financial support in the amount of AZN 0,000 was provided. As a result of the creation of 38 Women's Development and Enterprise Groups in 14 districts, a total of 400 new permanent and temporary jobs were created. Farmer women engaged in agribusiness in the villages united in the Azerbaijan Rural Women's Association (AKQA) and registered with the Ministry of Justice. On March 5, 2019, the presentation ceremony of the Association was held.
Currently, a national network of 38 Women's Development and Enterprise Groups in 14 districts has been established by the Rural Women's Association. 462 women are active in 38 groups. 32 groups have already established their own businesses and manage a total of 100 small businesses in the farm, non-farm and non-farm sectors.
The "Cooperation Agreement between the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the International Finance Corporation (IFC)" was signed on May 8, 2019, and the "Investment Environment and Agribusiness Competitiveness of Azerbaijan" project is being implemented within the framework of the agreement. With the participation of international and local experts, an assessment on sector prioritization for the promotion of foreign direct investments was conducted and a report was prepared.
In addition, an action plan for attracting investments to the agricultural sector was prepared by foreign experts and the action plan was finalized by prioritizing 3 sub-sectors together with the representatives of the specially created working group.
Optimizing the laboratory network of the Food Safety Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan (AQTA), one of the beneficiary institutions of the project, by the "Strengthening the Competitiveness of Agriculture Project" (KTRQGL), jointly implemented by the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the World Bank, creating a monitoring and evaluation structure of the National Food Safety system, AQTA- In order to improve the inspection system, international consultants were selected for the preparation of food sampling procedures, the creation of a tracking system throughout the entire food chain of AQTA, pest control and pest risk analysis for AQTA specialists, and the implementation of activities under the contract was started. Recommendations on optimization of laboratory network were made by international consultants, strategy was developed and AQTA was supported to pass international accreditation. The guidelines on monitoring and evaluation prepared in accordance with the terms of the contract, implementation indicators and results structure, prepared documents on food sampling were submitted to AQTA. Trainings on test methods on various topics were conducted by international consultants for 27 inspectors and specialists of the laboratory network and 90 of AQTA.
In order to improve the plant health and phytosanitary system, 10 trainings were conducted by the selected national consultant on the comprehensive (integrated) control measures against organisms harmful to the cotton plant. 916 farmers, as well as specialists of relevant scientific research institutes were involved in the training.
Equipment for biological and toxic residue determination and weed control laboratories of the Azerbaijan Scientific Research Institute of Plant Protection and Technical Plants was purchased and the staff was trained.
In the direction of animal health and veterinary services, within the framework of the measures against brucellosis among large and small animals, the vaccine was supplied in the amount planned and a vaccination campaign covering the country was carried out. As a result, 386,717 cattle and 1,336,055 small cattle were vaccinated in 2019.
Blood samples were collected from 20 districts covering different regions of the republic in order to check the tension of immunity (seroconversion) after vaccination against brucellosis in cattle and small cattle. The collected blood samples were checked at the National Reference Laboratory of AQTA, and as a result of vaccination, 81% of small-horned animals and 63% of bovine animals were found to be immune.
193 specialists of field veterinary stations of 6 pilot regions (Gabala, Oghuz, Sheki, Gakh, Zagatala, Balakan) selected to support the creation of a private veterinary service were trained and equipment and tools intended for private veterinary activities were purchased and handed over to them. As a continuation of the event, training was given to 116 field veterinary station specialists operating in Shamkir, Tovuz, Aghstafa and Gazakh regions.
A tripartite agreement was signed between ADAU, Agrarian University of Latvia and Agrarian Credit and Development Agency in order to improve the educational program of the veterinary medicine and zoo engineering faculty of Azerbaijan State Agrarian University (ADAU). According to the terms of the contract, the representatives of the Latvian Agrarian University visited the country and held meetings with the heads of departments and professors in order to evaluate the current activity of the faculty, and as a result, gaps were identified by conducting surveys on each subject. Activities in this direction are continued.
Work on the creation of agribusiness value chains, one of the innovative activities of the project, has been continued. As a result of the implementation of the sub-project "Dried fruit production value chain in Samukh region", 1029.55 tons of grapes were collected from 51 hectares of vineyards belonging to 9 farmers, and 842.55 tons of them were sold to the fruit drying enterprise.
As a result of the implementation of the value chain sub-project "Production, processing and packaging of vegetable seeds for sale in Samukh region", the collection of vegetable seeds planted in the farms of 12 participating farmers has been started. The equipment intended for farmers has been purchased and handed over. The processing line was bought and installed and seed processing started. 26.5 tons of vegetable seeds (coriander, fennel, spinach and onion) were produced from 34 hectares of cultivated land as a result of the applied innovative cultivation technologies and equipping farmers with the most modern cultivation equipment.
Within the framework of the value chain sub-project "Production and processing of rice in Lankaran with modern methods", 590 tons of products were harvested from 155 hectares of rice fields belonging to 11 farmers.
"The value chain of building a modern packaging line for the production and export of vegetable seedlings in Shamkir region", "Production and processing of rice with modern methods in Lankaran", "Production and processing of strawberries with modern methods in Jalilabad region", "Honey production and processing with modern methods in Khachmaz region", " Processing and packaging of hazelnuts using modern methods in Gabala region", "Development of potato growing in Gadabay region", "Production and packaging of fruits using modern methods in Shamkir region", "Collection, processing and packaging of wild medicinal plants in Ismayilly region", "Modern processing and packaging of sugar-free canned products in Oghuz region" packaging", "Goat milk products value chain in Kazakh region", "Fruit seedling production in Guba region" sub-projects are being implemented, and as a result of them, a total of 1364 new jobs were created.
In order to increase the knowledge and skills of the specialists of the Scientific Research Institute of Agriculture, one of the beneficiary institutions of the project, trainings were conducted by the international consultant invited by the project on "breeding of grain plants and breeding of traditional varieties" involving 47 specialists.
During 2019, a Recurring Credit Agreement was signed with authorized credit institutions involved as a participating financial institution, and through them, preferential agricultural loans in the amount of 5930.0 thousand AZN were given to 30 sub-borrowing farms in 2019, and as a result, 320 new jobs were created. was created.
A training trip to the Netherlands was organized in order to increase the knowledge and skills of the specialists of the authorized banks cooperating with the project. Within the framework of the visit, Robobank, which has advanced experience in financing agriculture, conducted training on the value chain, as well as the evaluation and financing of agricultural loans. The training was attended by the experts of the authorized banks cooperating with the Project, the Financial Markets Control Chamber, Agroleasing OJSC, and the experts of the Project.
452.8 km of soil and concrete for on-farm irrigation systems in 17 SIB areas of Yevlakh and Aghdash regions in 2019 within the framework of the "Comprehensive Development of Rural Areas Project" (KIKIL) financed by the loan of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the Islamic Development Bank works were carried out on canals, 37.5 km of trough canal and 64.7 km of drainage canal were cleaned, 0.3 km long closed pipe was repaired, 2432 new hydrotechnical facilities were built.
As a result of the works done in Yevlakh and Aghdash, the supply of irrigation water has been improved in 64,311 ha (target 74,439 ha) belonging to 23,445 households (target 26,604 units) in 119 villages (target 124 villages).
In order to strengthen the material and technical base of 17 units of SIB in Yevlakh and Aghdash regions, the construction of new office buildings has been completed.
At the same time, in order to improve the irrigation water supply of 4000 ha of land added to crop rotation in the "Aydynlig" SIB area in Aran settlement of Yevlakh region, the laying of a metal pipe line has been started.
Within the framework of the project "increasing the productivity and profitability of agriculture" component, artificial insemination was carried out among 1473 cattle in 1178 farms in 88 villages by 20 artificial insemination technicians in the project regions (Yevlakh, Aghdash, Sheki, Oghuz). As a result of the measures, 69 calves were obtained in Yevlakh district, 289 in Aghdash district, 285 in Sheki district, and 88 in Oghuz district (731 in total).
In addition, 6 doctors in 3 veterinary stations covering the mountainous areas of the project carried out treatment and preventive measures against diseases in 571 family farms in 87 mountainous villages, provided veterinary services to 5362 cattle, 44899 small-horned cattle, 3 other animals and 81691 birds.
In the Sheki Dayag Station of the Agricultural Scientific Research Institute of the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Azerbaijan, reconstruction works were carried out in order to increase the possibilities of hybridization and selection demonstrations, the production of original and high-reproduction seeds, and the achievement of higher quality in the breeding of varieties, a new office building and auxiliary buildings were built. and improvement works were carried out in the territory of the precinct.
The total number of samples received by the Sheki Regional Seed Control and Certification Service Laboratory in 2019 reached 772 units (for alfalfa - 14 samples, for corn - 13, for amaranth - 11, for peas - 3, for tobacco - 19, for oat - 20, for radish -1, for onion - 5, for corn - 2, for wheat - 591, for barley - 93) and 18214.4 tons of seeds (1544 tons of wheat, 2770.4 tons of barley) were checked. 3,218 tons of seeds cleaned and conditioned in laboratory conditions were superelite, 334.2 tons were elite, and 645.1 tons were R1 reproduction seeds, which were used in farms of Sheki region.
In 2019, the Guba Scientific Research Institute of Fruit and Tea Cultivation, involved in the project, acquired 7.0 ha in the Guba Auxiliary Experimental Farm, 3.5 ha in the Zagatala Base Station (DM), 2.0 ha in the Gabala DM, Zardabi Scientific Experiment New hazelnut orchards were planted on an area of 2.0 ha (14.5 ha in total) in the union, pruning, disease and pest control measures were carried out in the 84.6 ha orchard. In total, 20 field meetings with the participation of 429 farmers, 7 scientific-practical seminars with the participation of 350 people and 14 trainings with the participation of 257 people were held in different regions of the republic (Shabran, Goychay, Guba, Zagatala, Balakan, Lankaran, Astara). In addition, 10 training modules and 14 books, booklets and booklets were prepared and distributed to training participants and other farmers.
In order to support the organization of microclonal propagation of vegetative cultivars, a biotechnology laboratory was created at the private farm of "Guba Ting" LLC, and work was carried out in the direction of microclonal propagation of vegetative cultivars.
In Shabran, Guba and Balakan districts, farmers who are interested in growing new fruit varieties (almonds, cherries, plums) in their private farms were selected and trained in this direction, methodical assistance was provided to them, and exemplary demonstration areas were created on 38 ha on the basis of a mutually signed contract. At the same time, Guba Scientific Research Institute of Fruit and Tea Cultivation organized 10 trips to different regions of the republic in order to increase the gene pool, and related works were carried out in the direction of restoration of the varieties removed from circulation.
The implementation of social projects in 15 villages (9-restoration of drinking water system, 6-cleaning of irrigation canals) has been completed and 43 similar projects (15-Restoration of drinking water system project, 21-irrigation canal cleaning project, 6 inter-village road repair project, 1 medical the restoration project of the station) is currently being continued.
In 2019, expeditions were continued in Goranboy district and various areas of Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic within the framework of the "Protection and sustainable use of globally important agro-biological diversity" project by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) with the financial support of the Global Ecology Fund (GEF). 150 samples of grain plants were collected from the agricultural fields of Kizil Hajili and Khangarvand villages of Goranboy region, 556 samples were collected from the plain areas of Sharur, Sadarak and Babek regions of Nakhchivan MR, species diversity and forms were specified. In 2019, seeds of 144 varieties, varieties and populations of vegetables and melons were collected, handed over to the National Genbank, and the range of 5 wild vegetables was determined. Within the framework of the project, 4 rich regions rich in wild ancestors of cultivated plants have been identified. Field gene banks consisting of 45 varieties of durum wheat, 67 varieties of soft wheat, and 30 varieties of vegetable plants have been created.
In 2019, more than 40 new farmers were supported in Sheki, Goranboy and Goychay regions, along with the farmers supported in the previous year.
Within the framework of the project, for the first time, a "Mobile laboratory" equipped with the most modern devices to accurately determine the agrophysical and agrochemical properties of the soil under field conditions was purchased and handed over to the Agrarian Services Agency of the Ministry of Agriculture.
New equipment for the national genebank (incubator, electronic scales, drying cabinets, etc.) was purchased and put into use, and for the first time, 12 deep refrigerators were purchased and handed over to the Institute to ensure long-term storage of seeds. Long-term storage of rare forms and a large part of the wild ancestors of cultivated plants collected within the project at -20 0C temperature was ensured. In order to ensure the preservation of the existing collections in the Scientific Research Institute of Horticulture in accordance with international standards, 2 deep refrigerators were purchased and handed over.
In 2019, 6 weather stations were purchased and installed at the Gobustan experimental base of the Institute of Genetic Resources of ANAS, the Scientific Research Institute of Horticulture, the Scientific Research Institute of Agriculture, the Sheki regional center of the Agrarian Science and Innovation Center, and the experimental fields of the Azerbaijan State Agrarian University. The data obtained from the weather stations will help to carry out an accurate assessment of the collection samples against various environmental factors and to select varieties and forms that are suitable for the climatic conditions of the regions.
Within the framework of the project, activities on the creation of new cooperatives were planned and the selection of farmers was completed. 1 seed cleaner, 2 mills and a large number of agricultural equipment were purchased to add value to the varieties of the selected cereal crops.
Within the framework of the project, "Training and consulting centers" were created and put into use in the Azerbaijan State Agrarian University in Ganja city, and in the Sheki regional center of the Agrarian Science and Innovation Center in Sheki city. The centers are equipped with necessary equipment and enriched with books for training.
In 2019, more than 15 trainings and seminars were organized, in which more than 150 farmers and specialists participated.
Projects jointly implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan
Within the framework of the "Agrarian Employment Increase Project" (AMAL), an event was held on February 8, 2019, with the participation of more than 300 young "AMAL workers" and high-level representatives of relevant institutions, with the aim of promoting the project to a wider audience.
Within AMAL, 428 young people from 21 regions who are interested in agriculture were trained in 11 regions on the topics of "Create Your Own Business", "Start Your Own Business", and "Business Plan" by 8 professional trainers in order to support the agribusiness ideas of young people living in the regions and their formation as entrepreneurs. has been held. Business plans submitted by young people to be financed within the framework of the project were positively evaluated by the Evaluation Commission established by the Ministry of Agriculture, and supported by AKIA.
In order to increase the theoretical knowledge and practical skills of young farmers and young people interested in the agricultural field, the Summer School was held within the AMAL Academy Project in Oghuz region on August 25 - September 1, 2019. 57 young people from 21 regions of Azerbaijan participated.
Within the framework of the project "Strengthening the potential in the field of agricultural information and advisory services in Central Asia" on April 2-5, 2019, in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, at the regional level Training of Trainers seminar on "Agricultural information and advisory services in Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan" people participated.
Within the framework of the project, the current situation of information and advisory services in agriculture in Azerbaijan was analyzed in detail and a report was prepared accordingly. In addition, within the framework of the project, during the months of September-December 2019, with the participation of international experts, seed breeding, soil a series of trainings were held on protective farming, integrated fight against pesticides, greenhouse management and organic farming.
In the framework of the project "Support to the process of creating national strategies for the promotion of exports of selected agricultural products in Azerbaijan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan", the Inaugural Seminar of the project was held on March 13, 2019 in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. On June 27-28, 2019, a regional seminar on project planning was organized in Baku. In addition to international experts, representatives from Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, representatives of various state and private institutions of Azerbaijan participated in the seminar. As a result of the seminar, the agricultural products whose import potential will be studied within the framework of the project were determined and a work plan was prepared. Within the framework of the project, a national and international consultant, as well as the American-based International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), were involved in the study of the export potential of two products, garlic and dates. As a result of the project, the value chain of both mentioned products was analyzed and the export potential, including difficulties and opportunities, were determined. Within the framework of the project, two regional seminars were held in Tajikistan and Uzbekistan in November and December, and strategic elements and results of the study of imported products were discussed in the seminar with the participation of international experts. The representatives of KTN and the national consultant participated in the seminars.
Within the framework of the project "Managing the circulation of pesticides in Central Asian countries and Turkey and neutralizing pesticides related to persistent organic pollutants", the Regional Opening Seminar of the project was held on February 27-28, 2019 in Ankara, Turkey. On May 02-05, 2019, a mission visited Azerbaijan with the participation of the project's leading technical specialist and chief technical advisor from the FAO to discuss the components, provide information about the project, and create a steering committee, and meetings were held with all relevant parties. On May 3, 2019, a Preliminary National Seminar was organized with the participation of relevant state institutions and experts, and a 4-year work plan was discussed and a preliminary plan was prepared. At the same time, a visit to the Jangi landfill was organized in order to get acquainted with the procedure for storing pesticides, the condition of the wells and the general situation.
. In 2019, within the framework of the Project, the inventory of residual pesticides in the Jangi landfill and in general in all regions of Azerbaijan was started and the work is currently being continued. After the completion of the inventory within the project, preparatory work for the creation of a database in the form of an electronic map, including the selection of a consultant, has been completed.
As part of the project, the analysis of the legal framework was started by a national and international consultant in December 2019. In order to increase the knowledge and skills of representatives of various institutions, including KTN, AQTA and ETSN, an international training on registration of pesticides was held in Dushanbe, Tajikistan.
In connection with the removal and destruction of 300 tons of residual pesticides provided for in the project, the Jangi landfill was investigated in detail, and information was collected and submitted to an international specialist for the preparation of relevant tender documents.
Within the framework of the project "Support for the preparation of the National Land Consolidation Strategy and the Land Consolidation Pilot Project", the National Land Consolidation Strategy project was prepared. The knowledge and skills of the employees of the Ministry of Agriculture were increased in applying land consolidation, land redistribution activities were carried out as a pilot in the village of Shorsulu of Salyan district, a distribution plan was prepared and land consolidation operations were registered, and a technical and economic justification was prepared. Thus, a survey was conducted among 608 land owners in Shorsulu village to find out their intentions to participate in the consolidation of land through land use, registration of land ownership, purchase, sale, exchange or lease. 88% of the farmers said that they are interested in combining land plots.
On August 28, 2019, at the closing ceremony of the project, the State Program for Land Consolidation, National Strategy and legislative documents were presented. At the same time, the opening ceremony of the pedestrian crossing built over the canal for the use of farmers was held in the village of Shorsulu, Salyan region.
As a result of the project, the National Land Consolidation Strategy, Action Plan, State Land Consolidation Program and the Draft Law on Agricultural Land Consolidation have been prepared and submitted for approval as appropriate.
In order to ensure the strategic vision and action directions for the transformation of the sheep farming sector in Azerbaijan within the framework of the "Project for the creation and implementation of the value chain for the sustainable development of sheep farming and the production of food products", the international consultant on the development of the value chain "Development of the Value Chain of Sheep Farming in Azerbaijan by 2025" review" study was developed. The analysis of the results of the value chain study will help to determine the main areas of activity to be carried out under the Project, and other initiatives in the field of development of the government and relevant institutions. Although the study covered the value chains of meat, wool and milk, the focus was mainly on the meat sector as the main source of income for sheep farmers. In order to evaluate the current state of the breeding process in the field of sheep breeding, identify the problems and shortcomings in this field, and prepare proposals for their solution, a contract was signed with an international consultant, and activities in this direction will be started from next year.
A report by an international artificial insemination consultant engaged to analyze the strengths and weaknesses of the artificial insemination program in Azerbaijan within the framework of the project "Improving the breed composition of breeding cattle in Azerbaijan and developing efficient feeding systems" prepared. In order to strengthen the material and technical base of the Artificial Fertilization Center located in Goygol, 18 different types of equipment were purchased. These equipments will be used during the training of artificial insemination technicians to be organized at the Artificial Insemination Center. In connection with the organization of trainings at the Artificial Insemination Center, the training coordinator started working and initially the training capabilities of the Center were evaluated.
Within the framework of the project "Establishment of a national system for the production of healthy seed potatoes in Azerbaijan", 34 glass containers and other supplies were purchased in order to strengthen the supply level of the laboratories of the Scientific Research Institute of Vegetables. In addition, there are 30 different types of machinery and equipment, including tractors, potato harvesters, washing machines for the laboratory, etc. received. During the next 2 years, 17 chemical substances intended for the production of 15,000 tons of small potato tubers were purchased at the Institute.
Within the framework of the project, for the first time in the country, the production process of mini tubers for the production of healthy potato seeds, albeit in a small volume, was achieved in both indoor and outdoor areas.
On August 19, 2019, a seminar on "All aspects of potato seed production for various stakeholders" were held by the international consultant of the project with the participation of 30 people.
On December 16-20, 2019, a 5-day training in the field of meristem and tissue culture was held for 10 employees of the Vegetable Research Institute. The participants of the training are mainly employees working in different departments of the Institute, and the training was carried out for the first time by high-level experts of the Institute specialized in this field. During the training, the listeners got acquainted with interesting presentations by local trainers on the application of biotechnology in the field of healthy potato seed production, the effect of biotic and abiotic factors on meristem plants, and tissue culture and its role in obtaining disease-free seed material.
In the reporting year, the leasing and sale of 4,117 pieces of agricultural machinery, including 135 grain harvesters, 749 tractors, 3,233 tractor-mounted and other agricultural machinery, to 2,205 legal entities and individuals, regardless of the form of ownership, was financed on preferential terms.
32,237.2 thousand manats of credit and 59,950,000 manats of subsidies were allocated for the purchase of the mentioned technical equipment.
In the current year, the leasing and sale of 4,523 head of large and small-breed breeding animals to individuals and legal entities for a period of 3 years with a 60 percent discount was financed under preferential conditions.
During the sale of breeding animals, a loan in the amount of 209.1 thousand manats and a subsidy in the amount of 9744.5 thousand manats were allocated.
In total, during 2019, 32,664.4 thousand manats were allocated from the state budget to the Agrarian Credit and Development Agency under the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and the sale of agricultural production equipment was financed on preferential terms. At the same time, 39,000.0 thousand manats were transferred from the portfolio of "Agroleasing" OJSC to the account of AKIA and directed to the financing of relevant loans.
