Improving Food Supply throught Increasing Local Production in Azerbaijan

Abstract

Research reviews and accumulated experiences show that irrespective of the branch of agriculture, its main production means are soil.The output of agricultural products and the development of different types of farms depend on the use of soil and its fertility. Azerbaijan has large areasof fertile lands that can produce high yields of agricultural plants.The purpose of the research is to investigate the sources and factors of food security that are of particular importance for ensuring food security of Azerbaijan and meeting the needs of the population in foodstuffs. The current state of food production in Azerbaijan, ways to improve food supply, and food market problems are investigated. Statistical data on the output of cereal grain products, legumes, potato, vegetables and melons, fruit and berries over 2003–2017 are given. The self-sufficiency and import dependence of Azerbaijan in plant products are estimated. The statistical analysis shows that Azerbaijan is still unable to meet the demand for basic food products through their domestic production; the share of imports of grain, grain legumes, vegetable oils, milk and dairy products in the total consumption remains to be high. This means that the positions of foreign producers in the domestic agricultural and food markets have been strengthening compared with the local producers’ positions in respective product segments. Another problem is related with the economic efficiency in the agricultural sector, including more efficient use of land, material and technical means, dissemination of agricultural innovations, intensification of production processes. Recommendations on optimization of food supply and achievement of food safety in Azerbaijan are given.