FAO Office in Azerbaijan organized a meeting of partners to discuss water resources management
14 December 2023
The Partnership and Liaison Office of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations in Azerbaijan organized a meeting of partners to discuss the widespread application of advanced irrigation systems in the country within the framework of the project "Improved Agricultural Water Resources Management: Towards Sustainable Agricultural Development."
Bariz Mehdiyev, Deputy Representative of FAO in Azerbaijan, spoke at the event, providing information about FAO's mandate and activities in the country. He emphasized the importance of discussions on the event's topic and stated that support is provided in this direction within the framework of the projects being implemented, with a commitment to continued support in the future. In turn, Firidun Taghiyev, head of the Department of Land Use in the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Azerbaijan, welcomed the participation of the participants in such events on an open platform and noted that they should not hesitate to discuss the problems.
During the event, Rovshan Mammadli, Head of the Credit Department at the Agrarian Credit and Development Agency, made a presentation about the state subsidy program supporting and stimulating the adoption of modern irrigation systems. Additionally, Professor Olcay Unver from Arizona University shared insights into Turkey's experience on the same topic.
Farmers, agricultural associations, government agencies, and private sector representatives participating in the event shared shortcomings in irrigation water management and discussed region-specific problems. The discussion emphasized the multifaceted role of the private sector in developing agricultural practices, particularly irrigation. The event also explored the interaction between the public and private sectors to address complex issues related to the management of agricultural water resources, intending to promote a unified approach.
It should be noted that the "Meeting of Stakeholders" event organized by FAO in Azerbaijan served as a dynamic forum to promote partnership and exchange experiences in modern irrigation, contributing to a sustainable and robust future.