The Azerbaijan Pavilion, operating in the “Blue Zone” as part of COP29, hosted a High-Level Ministerial Meeting on Improving Climate-Resilient Agriculture Practices.

The panel discussion held on the “Food, Agriculture and Water Day” was moderated by Viorel Gutu, Regional Representative for Europe and Central Asia of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).

Speaking at the meeting, Minister of Agriculture Majnun Mammadov spoke about the measures taken to develop climate-resilient agriculture in Azerbaijan. The Minister said that in addition to implementing projects related to different climatic conditions, limited water resources and the restoration of newly liberated lands in Karabakh, special importance is attached to the implementation of innovations in the agricultural sector and international cooperation in this direction.

Azerbaijan's climate resilience policy framework includes sustainable and sound management of land and water resources. It was noted that the Azerbaijani government attaches special importance to reducing climate risks and increasing the efficiency of water resources through climate-resilient agricultural practices. Modernization of irrigation systems and efficient water management in arid regions are of great importance. Farmers' activities in Azerbaijan are comprehensively supported. Subsidy programs, low-interest loans and investment grants allow farmers to switch to climate-resilient practices, adopt new technologies, increase productivity and reduce environmental impacts: "These efforts ensure that our farmers are equipped to meet today's challenges and seize tomorrow's opportunities."

Speaking at the event, Uruguay's Minister of Agriculture and Livestock Fernando Mattos Costa said that limited land and water resources are putting pressure on the production process of agricultural products against the backdrop of climate change. The Uruguayan minister, who said that the development of small farms is important, emphasized the importance of comprehensive and necessary support for agricultural producers in this direction.

Ahmet Bağcı, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Forestry of the Republic of Turkey, provided information on the policy frameworks supporting climate sustainability in his country. He emphasized the importance of international cooperation in agricultural technology innovations and sustainable land and water management practices to ensure food security in various countries.

Ermek Kenzhehanuly, Deputy Minister of Agriculture of Kazakhstan, highlighted the special importance of establishing sustainable agriculture based on modern technologies in his country. It was noted that Kazakhstan, which is in the process of transforming agriculture into modern and digital agriculture, is using digital technologies to develop rural areas and integrate them into the value chain.

The panel discussions continued in a question-and-answer format.