Azerbaijan expands agricultural subsidies to boost sustainability

The Agrarian Subsidy Council has approved new subsidy mechanisms in Azerbaijan to support various sectors of agriculture, including crop production, animal husbandry, and fishing. The new measures emphasize modern irrigation techniques, offering higher subsidies for wheat, potatoes, vegetables, and legumes when modern irrigation is used compared to traditional methods.

Specific support is allocated for high-tech greenhouses, with subsidies ranging from 5,000 to 5,000 AZN per hectare depending on technology levels. The government is also targeting export-oriented crops, providing one-time support for aronia orchards and rose cultivation for essential oil production. To develop boutique winemaking, subsidies of up to 20,000 AZN per hectare are available for super-intensive vineyards, with a goal to establish 20 new boutique wineries by 2030.

Tahir Rzayev, Chairman of the Agriculture Policy Committee of the Milli Majlis, stated that these increases aim to ensure the sustainability of the agricultural sector against challenges like climate change, water scarcity, and soil salinization. The state program for 2026–2030 focuses on improving the legal framework, promoting digital agriculture, and enhancing farmers' access to finance to build a climate-resilient agricultural system.