Planting winter crops 2020, mainly wheat, for harvesting in June-July, was carried out from November 2019 to mid-January 2020.
Sown area is estimated to be slightly above average in 1 million ha, which reflects the government’s strategy to reduce dependence on imports by increasing domestic production.
Sericulture in Azerbaijan is developed in the Aran zone, foothill regions: Gakh, Balaken, Zagatala.
Precipitation significantly below the average between September and December 2019 affected soil moisture in some arable lands (especially in the southern region of Lankaran and in the southwestern region of Yukhari Garabakh), where, according to satellite images, vegetation conditions are below average. Since the crops are still at the germination stage, rainfall rates in the coming months are crucial for determining the level of winter grain production in 2020.
Grain harvesting was completed in August 2019, and production is estimated at 3.5 million tons, which is more than 15% above the average for 5 years. The high yield is mainly due to favorable weather conditions during the season and significantly exceeding the average area sown with wheat, the yield of which is estimated at 2.2 million tons, which is about 20% above the average. Barley production is also rated well above average.
In the 2019–2020 marketing year, overall cereal import requirements are projected at 1.3 million tons, which is 10% below the average. Needs for wheat imports, which on average account for more than 90% of total cereal imports, are projected to be slightly below the average for 1.2 million tons due to good domestic supplies after significant production volumes received in the last 2 years.
- The incineration of straw left on the ground after harvest has a negative impact on the level of grain crop yield, the Minister of Agriculture of Azerbaijan reported.
- In the period from January 1 to July 1, 2019, the Republic of Azerbaijan sent a huge amount of such nuts as hazelnuts to the world market.
- A large-scale campaign is underway in Azerbaijan to create the country's largest beekeeping and beekeeping center.
