TODAY.AZ / Business

Proper use of lands in focus of gov't

14 July 2016 [16:35] - TODAY.AZ

/By Azernews/

By Nigar Abbasova

The improper use of lands remains a problem in the sphere of agriculture of Azerbaijan. The issue was high on agenda during the meeting of Cabinet of Ministers on results of socio-economic development in the first half of 2016 and future objectives.

President Ilham Aliyev addressing the meeting said that non-used lands will be withdrawn and allocated for the use in the sphere of agriculture.

Agricultural lands often remain not cultivated and enclosed, while no activity is implemented in the areas.

In this context the presidential decision is believed to be necessary and timely because these lands may produce crops and give a stimulus for the development of the economy. Besides, that shows the priority given to food security in the country.

Short after President Aliyev signed a decree to approve the state program on the development of cadastre of immovable property, increase of effectiveness of proper use and security of lands for 2016-2020. Azerbaijan State Committee on Property and Cabinet of Ministers will be engaged in the implementation of relevant measures which are envisaged in the State Program, according to the order.  

The government is taking steps to provide rational and proper use of agricultural lands as the sphere remains one of the most essential in country’s bid to diversify its economy.

Azerbaijan State Committee on Property reported that as many as 198,000 hectares of sowing lands remain unused in Azerbaijan. The data was revealed as a result of monitoring of about 1.8 million hectares of sowing area in the country. The inspection revealed illegal operation of about 91 rock and sand-gravel quarries at the area of 2,600 hectares which is envisaged for agricultural production. A part of leased state-owned lands (44,300 hectares out of 1.2 million hectares) are unused.

The checking also revealed that executive authority and municipal corporations allocate sowing areas for non-agricultural needs. As many as 72,000 hectares were allocated by executive authority while municipality allocated roughly 15,000 hectares of lands. The total volume of lands which were used without leasing contract amounted to 122,000 hectares of lands. Overall volume of violations revealed by land inspectors in the sphere totaled 19,200 with 4,500 being serious breaches. The inspectors have made severe warnings and draw up a report in certain cases.

Certain changes in this regards have been recently made to the Tax code of the country. The changes provided for the increase of tax and application of fees for the violation. Possibility of misuse of lands is determined in accordance with the rules and criteria approved by appropriate government agency. In contrast to the revenues from land tax which are forwarded to the budgets of municipalities, taxes for misuse of lands will be directed to the state budget.

URL: http://www.today.az/news/business/152564.html

Print version

Views: 1399

Connect with us. Get latest news and updates.

Recommend news to friend

  • Your name:
  • Your e-mail:
  • Friend's name:
  • Friend's e-mail: