Rising Agricultural Prices in Azerbaijan Raise Concerns

Baku/27.10.23/Turan: In Azerbaijan, the autumn season has brought with it a significant increase in prices for some newly harvested agricultural products, leaving many to wonder about the underlying reasons behind this surge. Notably, prices for tomatoes and cucumbers have seen substantial spikes, even as winter has yet to set in. Vahid Maharramli, an agricultural expert, discussed the factors driving this price surge on the "Difficult Question" program.

According to Maharramli, the price increases are not limited to tomatoes and cucumbers; they extend to other essential items like potatoes, various vegetables, and even fruits. One key contributing factor to this price escalation is the practice of pre-harvest storage. Some products have been harvested earlier and placed in storage facilities, which adds to their cost due to storage expenses.

However, Maharramli emphasized that the rise in food prices in Azerbaijan is not solely a seasonal phenomenon. He pointed out that market dynamics in the country differ from those in neighboring nations. The formation of prices in Azerbaijan is influenced by two significant factors. Firstly, there is an insufficient volume of production within the country, leading to dependency on imports. Secondly, there is a prevalence of monopolistic practices, particularly among wholesale distributors and owners of fruit and vegetable storage facilities.

Maharramli highlighted that despite repeated appeals to the government for reforms aimed at addressing these issues, monopolies persist, and production remains unregulated. The combination of limited domestic production and monopolistic practices in distribution and storage contributes to the price disparities seen in Azerbaijani markets compared to neighboring countries.

As Azerbaijan grapples with these challenges, the issue of rising food prices continues to be a cause for concern, prompting calls for comprehensive reforms to promote fair market practices and ensure affordability for consumers.--0--