Do Azerbaijani People Consume Fish Three Times Less Than the Norm?!

After lengthy studies conducted by well-known scientists and scientific institutions, it was found out how much fish is useful for the human body. Fish is rich in proteins, phosphorus, and vitamin D necessary for the human body. Scientists came to the conclusion that fish is useful for the heart, sight, and memory. They believe that in the diet of everyone, from small to large, there must be fish, along with other meats.

According to WHO standards, during the year everyone should consume 20 kg of fish or fish products. In a recent report of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), timed to the World Fisherman's Day - June 27, it was noted that in 2016, the inhabitants of our planet ate 20.4 kg of fish per capita. In the same report, it was noted, according to forecasts, fish production will increase by 18 percent, reaching 201 million tons by 2030. The Director General of the FAO, Jose Graciani da Silva, emphasized the importance of fishing. He noted that "fishing is very important for achieving the FAO goal of eliminating hunger and malnutrition throughout the world".

The geographical area in which Azerbaijan is located is very favorable for the development of fishing. The Caspian-Kura basin, as well as the rivers of Azerbaijan, have abundant natural resources for the expansion of fish farms and their rapid development. In addition, in Azerbaijan over the past few years, lake fishing (aquaculture) has become a subject of serious interest of farmers. Taking into account such opportunities of Azerbaijan, we will see serious advantages in fishing. In addition, the consumption of fish per capita in Azerbaijan is one third of the WHO's standard, and the rate of population growth remains high. This creates good conditions for the development of fishing. As in the whole world, the issue of fish breeding in fresh water bodies, rivers and lakes became urgent in Azerbaijan. Each time, the natural fish stock in the Caspian decreases, which creates a need for more reliable sources of fish products.

According to the State Statistics Committee, in the last 10 years, since 2007, fish production has increased from 20.5 thousand tons to 63.1 thousand tons. Along with this, fish imports increased by 50 percent, and its exports decreased 4-fold. It should be noted that according to the State Customs Committee, in 2016, fish worth $ 15.3 million was imported to the country. In 2017 this figure increased by 14% to $ 17.5 million. From January to June this year, in comparison with the same period last year, fish imports increased by 20%.

As noted, in Azerbaijan the consumption of fish and fish products per capita is three times lower than the world index. According to the WHO standards, it is 20 kg per year. The Cabinet of Ministers of Azerbaijan, by its decision on the minimum consumer basket, determined the annual fish consumption as 7.7 kg per capita. It should be noted that in 2016 the production of fish and fish products per capita was 6.3 kg. Together with the imported products per capita, only 7.3 kg of fish was consumed in the country. This is even 0.4 kg lower than the Cabinet's determined figure in the minimum consumer basket. The report prepared by the FAO has information interesting for Azerbaijan. The report says that by expanding the aquaculture sector and increasing production in this sector in 2016 it became possible to increase production to 80 million tons. Thus, it became possible to provide 53% of the total fish consumption in the world at the expense of this sector. The share of aquaculture in the world is $ 232 billion. The number of employees in this sector is 59.6 million people.

In comparison with the world indicators, in Azerbaijan, the share of aquaculture in total production and consumption of fish is 1%, even despite the presence of great opportunities for expanding this sphere and increasing production in this country. This sector is attractive in terms of new jobs. Thus, with the development of aquaculture in Azerbaijan it will be possible to meet the population's needs for fish and fish products by 50-55%. In addition, this industry will be able to provide permanent work for 75 thousand people. The FAO report notes the expansion of the world's aquaculture and its development. In Azerbaijan, starting from 2015, the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources sent letters to state agencies and local executive bodies on the elimination of dozens of fish farms created in Salyan, Neftchala, Saatli, and Sabirabad. Within just one year the number of legal entities and individuals engaged in lake and pond fisheries decreased by 33%, from 161 to 108. We would like to note that the Ministry of Ecology responsible for this branch does not carry out any measures for the development of aquaculture, performing only control functions.

Monitoring shows that land under farmer-created fish farms is not particularly suitable for other industries. For Azerbaijan aquaculture is very profitable. Lands unsuitable for sowing can be used for fish production. From each hectare within a year, one ton of fish can be received in Azerbaijan, although Azerbaijani farmers have the opportunity to increase this figure several times. It should be noted that as early as 2011, the Center for Economic Research and USAID conducted research in the Salyan-Neftchala and Sheki-Zagatala zones within the framework of the Competition and Trade in Azerbaijan project. In the report prepared according to the results of the research, it was noted that Azerbaijan has a serious comparative advantage in fish farming.

The policy pursued by the government in this sector was insufficient. Over the past 10 years, although several state programs have been adopted, the adoption of serious measures for the development of fish farming has been envisaged in none of them.

In the State Program for 2008-2015 for the Reliable Provision of Food Products to the Population of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the word fish is mentioned only once. And this is due to the production figures for 2007. In the State Program for 2008-2015 on Poverty Reduction and Sustainable Development in the Republic of Azerbaijan, it was noted only that Azerbaijan has a rich potential for the development of fish farming.

The Strategic Roadmap for the Production and Processing of Agricultural Products had the same approach for fish farming and beekeeping. The document contained the phrase "supporting the development of beekeeping and fish farming, including aquaculture", but no specific propaganda measures were envisaged. The main problems in this area are related to the government's policy. Although responsible for this area is the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, in the Ministry"s charter it is given the function of state control. There is no government structure or central executive authority that would have prepared and submitted proposals to the government and relevant bodies for the development of aquaculture in the country, the implementation of legal standards and the economic regulation of the protection of the interests of producers who would have developed and prepared state policies in this area.

Because of this kind of reasons, entrepreneurs engaged in aquaculture are restricted in the use of land, and prohibitions are applied to them. That is, one of the problems is related to legal issues that have not been resolved for many years. Serious problems for the farmers in this sector are related to the provision of water for their farms and their access to financial resources. Important measures are to be taken in connection with the development of aquaculture in Azerbaijan:

• Creation of cooperation between farmers engaged in fish farming, production, processing, sale of fish, uniting efforts in the issue of its export, creation of the NGO Association of Fish Farmers in order to effectively use existing resources.

• Identification of the state structure, or the central executive authority that would prepare and submit proposals to the government, as well as relevant bodies, for the development of aquaculture in the country, the implementation of legal standards and the economic regulation of the protection of the interests of producers that would develop and prepare state policies in this area. It would be more appropriate to entrust this sector with the Ministry of Agriculture.

• Definition of the state policy in connection with the development of fish culture in Azerbaijan.

• Preparation and adoption of a special state program in connection with the development of fish farming.

• To increase the importance of aquaculture in relation to its role in providing the country with food, to classify the areas under fisheries as agricultural lands, and to provide aquaculture farms all the privileges provided for agrarian regions.