Head of State: We provide a subsidy, and this has been going on for 10 years — it shouldn't be this way

This should be based on our overall agricultural development strategy and export strategy. Exports naturally depend on markets. There are traditional markets and there are new ones. Therefore, how long will our products remain in demand in traditional markets?

This was stated by President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev at a meeting dedicated to agricultural issues.

"In principle, relevant instructions have been given to discuss these issues with partner countries in order to find out how long demand will hold in our traditional markets if we, say, export fruits, vegetables, and melons in large volumes? Because now many countries are engaged in food security issues. It is true that in some countries the climate does not allow growing various fruits. But in any case, our exports must be tied to markets.

Therefore, when providing subsidies, of course, these factors should be taken into account - meeting domestic demand and expanding export opportunities. Based on this, subsidies should also be very flexible. Perhaps they should be reviewed every year - both by districts and by the products grown. That is, if we provide a certain subsidy for a given product once, and this continues for 10 years, then it should not be this way. This should be a very flexible mechanism. This, of course, should be taken into account by all relevant structures," the head of state noted.