Minister: Azerbaijan to create food reserve infrastructure

There is a need for establishing organizations which store food supplies in Azerbaijan, Agriculture Minister Ismat Abbasov told media.

"The agricultural production is expected to increase this year," Abbasov said. "So these bodies will be required in the future."

The minister earlier predicted the growth in agricultural production in Azerbaijan by six percent in 2011, compared to last year.

According to the State Statistics Committee, agricultural production in Azerbaijan increased by 5.3 percent, crop production by 5.7 percent, and livestock by 5.3 percent in January-May 2011, compared to the same period last year.

In January-May the total volume of agricultural products amounted to 9.409 million manat, based on actual prices.

The spring field work in the country has been completed, with spring plants planted along an area of 376,300 hectares by June 1. The sown area increased by 6.7 percent, or 23,800 hectares, compared to last year.

The vegetables were planted along an area of 77,000 hectares, potatoes - 64,000 hectares, cotton, grain, corn, melons, sunflowers, sugar beets, tobacco, etc., - 41,900 hectares. The farms yielded about 48,700 tons of potatoes and 65,100 tons of vegetables and grains, fruits, berries, and green tea.


/Trend/