A meeting on the course of agricultural works and prospects of agricultural sector development was held in Gabala region.

In accordance with the guidelines and instructions of the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, members of the working group set up to study the course of agricultural work, proposals and wishes of farmers and landowners, as well as prospects for the agricultural sector development, and to take quick action, on May 26 visited the Gabala region. Head of the working group, chief of Department for agrarian policy issues of Administration of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Azer Amiraslanov, team members and district leadership, first examined the Gabala Canning Factory, Gabala Winery and vineyards, peasant farm enterprises engaged in the production of frozen semi-finished products made from potatoes and potato chips, silkworm breeding and tobacco growing, the acreage of wheat and potatoes in the Gabala Food Town, meeting with farmers, inquired about the status of farming works. Then, a meeting was held in Gabala Region Executive Power with the farmers, entrepreneurs in the agricultural sector, experts, heads of relevant departments and organizations, owners of farms, chairpeople of municipalities. Speaking at the meeting, the Head of Gabala Region Executive Power Sabuhi Abdullayev provided information in connection with the work in agriculture, which is the leading sector of the economy in the region, and the situation in this sphere, he spoke about the prospects of development of agricultural sector. Then, Chief of Department for agrarian policy issues of Administration of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan in his speech spoke about the reforms carried out in our country under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, the measures taken for the development of non-oil sector, including agriculture, gave extensive information about the prospects of the agricultural sector. Chief of the department Azer Amiraslanov, noting the order of the President in connection with the increase in domestic production, increase of employment in areas, highlighted the development of export industries in Gabala, including viticulture, potato, sericulture and animal husbandry. He noted that for the long-term development of agriculture in the area, in addition to production and processing, the presence of logistics base is important. The speaker said that today in Gabala he sees the development of the agro-industrial complex. Currently, agriculture in the region is industrializing, there are large processing plants, and works are underway to increase the export potential and successful results are achieved. In agriculture, profitable areas are developing, new jobs are opening, and employment is provided. Today in Gabala, along with traditional agriculture, potato growing is developing rapidly, which is a model for other areas. Earlier Gabala was known as the area which reached great results in the field of tobacco growing. In 1986, 2040 acres of tobacco has been cultivated in Gabala region and 7923 tons of products were produced. As reported, for the last time in 2006 22 hectares of tobacco has been planted in Gabala, and 56 tons of products were produced. Since 2007, of tobacco is not produced in the area, and because of the large experience of farmers in this traditional sphere, for the first time this year 50 hectares of tobacco were planted in the area. In the early 90's of last century 169 tons of cocoons were produced in Gabala. There were households in the area engaged in tobacco growing and sericulture, and now they are again restoring their activities. In his speech, Azer Amiraslanov said that the recommendations and instructions of the President Ilham Aliyev, all sectors of the economy activated in our country, particularly the agricultural sector. Azer Amiraslanov noted the need for joint cooperation between the state, farmers and processing enterprises in agriculture, invited the meeting participants to an open discussion. In conclusion of the meeting, held as discussion, the number of issues of interest to farmers and entrepreneurs was clarified, they presented their proposals. It was offered to provide loans to producers of agricultural products at low interest rates, to construct modern warehouse buildings, for harvesting and storage of agricultural products, produced in the region, to eliminate the irrigation of water problems in some rural areas and other issues. Taking part in the meeting, Deputy Minister of Agriculture Seyfaddin Talibov, Deputy Minister of Economy and Industry Sahib Mammadov, deputy chairman of the "Irrigation and Water Management" OJSC Zakir Guliyev joined the discussion, answered questions of farmers and entrepreneurs. The meeting was concluded by the Head of the Gabala Region Executive Power Mr. Sabuhi Abdullayev.