'Azerbaijan will not be able to ensure food security soon'

Food imports are on the rise in Azerbaijan, as indicated by data from the State Customs Committee (SCC), which reveals that in the first half of 2023, food products worth $1,058,429,000 were imported into the country. This represents an increase of $1,483,000 compared to the same period in 2022. The dependence on food imports in Azerbaijan has been growing steadily over the past decade.

Radio Azadlig addressed experts with questions about the implications of this growing dependence and how it can be addressed.

Agrarian specialist Vahid Maharramli pointed out that Azerbaijan struggles to meet its demand for food wheat, and the lack of transparency in grain production data raises concerns. He also highlighted the increasing imports of livestock products, particularly meat and milk, indicating a reliance on external sources due to insufficient local production. This growing reliance on imports, especially for essential food items, poses economic challenges, as it leads to the outflow of currency from the country.

Vahid Maharramli stressed the importance of increasing domestic production to address the issue. He pointed out that Azerbaijan possesses abundant resources, including fertile soil, favorable climate conditions, and water resources, which, if utilized efficiently, could fully meet the country's needs for wheat, meat, milk, vegetable oils, and sugar. However, this would require effective agrarian policies and professional management in the agricultural sector.

Tahir Mirkishili, Chairman of the Committee on Economic Policy, Industry, and Entrepreneurship of the Milli Majlis of Azerbaijan, noted that while food prices in the world have surged by more than 2 times in the past 5 years, this increase in food imports does not necessarily signify heightened dependence. He attributed the recent rise in food imports in the last month to a 6 percent increase in average annual inflation worldwide. Mirkishili highlighted the global food shortage and some countries imposing bans on food product exports as contributing factors.

According to the chairman, the Azerbaijani government is taking measures to address the population's demand for food products, both through local production and the procurement of food items from abroad. However, he did not elaborate on the specific measures being undertaken.

In summary, the escalating food imports in Azerbaijan are raising concerns about the country's growing dependence on external sources for essential food items. Experts emphasize the need to enhance domestic production and implement effective policies to mitigate this dependence and ensure food security for the population.