Media Review August 30, 2019

Economic indicators in agriculture, the reasons for the activation of government representatives in social networks, and work with the law on religious freedom are the topics of today's media.

The newspaper Azerbaijan writes about the high rates achieved in agriculture due to ongoing reforms. Thus, grain production over the 6 months of this year increased by 40%, from 20 quintals per hectare to more than 30 quintals, and in large farms - over 60 quintals.

In the first half of the year, the production of melons and gourds increased by 40%, fruits - by 20%, and vegetables - by 14%.

Export of fresh vegetables increased by 31.1%, juices - by 37.9%, fruit and vegetable preservatives - by 37.9%, and tobacco - by 1.9%.

The actual value of the total agricultural crop for the first half year amounted to 4 billion 453.7 million manats, of which 2 billion 230.4 million AZN accounted for livestock, and 2 billion 223.3 million AZN - for plant growing.

The website Yeni Sabah.az discusses the activation of government representatives in social networks. This is an attempt to influence the formation of public opinion and strengthen the position of the authorities in the virtual space.

Social networks are not TV channels or media controlled by the authorities. Social networks are not a place for a monologue. Unfortunately, in Azerbaijan there is no atmosphere of controversy, and representatives of both camps express their opinion unilaterally.

The newspaper Yeni Musavat writes that the parliament is preparing to amend the draft law "On Religious Freedom and Religious Structures" during the autumn session. The changes will concern condolences on the occasion of someone"s death, the time of participation at the commemoration, which can last no more than 10 minutes, and not 1-2 hours as now. And it is also about the restriction of Ihsan meals served at the wake, as it has been done in Nakhchivan.