Ilham Aliyev attended the opening of the "Shirvan Agro" livestock complex in Shamakhi

On March 23, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev participated in the opening of the "Shirvan Agro" livestock complex in the Shamakhi district.

As reported by AZERTAC, Head of the Executive Authority of Shamakhi district Tahir Mammadov informed the head of state about the complex.

It was noted that the purpose of establishing the complex, which covers an area of approximately 100 hectares, is to contribute to providing the country's population with high-quality dairy and meat products, their export, as well as the development of the region, in particular the growth of employment in Shamakhi and surrounding districts.

The complex has the capacity to house 9,000 head of cattle — 3,200 head of dairy cattle, 3,000 head of beef cattle, and 2,800 calves. Currently, cattle of Holstein-Friesian, Limousin, Aberdeen Angus, and other breeds are kept here.

Equipped with the latest technologies and managed using artificial intelligence tools, this complex is one of the largest livestock enterprises in the Caucasus region and the CIS space.

This is the first livestock complex in our country to use alternative and green energy.

The complex will also have a Training and Education Center aimed at preparing highly qualified personnel, where the application of advanced global technologies will be taught.

The enterprise features the largest rotary milking parlors in Azerbaijan and the South Caucasus, as well as parallel milking systems. An online milk quality analyzer is installed at each milking point. The country's most advanced system for rapid cooling of milk from 32 to 4 degrees has been created, as well as a Reproductive Center operating on the basis of the world's newest genetic material and ensuring an increase in milk production volume.

There is an innovative herd management system for early diagnosis of diseases among the housed animals and their prompt treatment. A special weighing system is used here for real-time monitoring of herd development, efficient feedlot management, and electronic weight calculation.

AfiCollar electronic collars are used for animal identification, recording their health status, and determining the precise time of insemination.

The complex also has a feed center equipped with innovative and specialized stationary equipment. A slaughter facility equipped with innovative systems and featuring a Dry Age chamber has also been established here.

The enterprise provides employment for more than 200 residents of Shamakhi and surrounding districts. The complex grounds also include a residential building for workers coming from other districts and foreign specialists.

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The head of state then met with the enterprise's employees.

Speaking at the meeting, President Ilham Aliyev said:

- Congratulations. We are creating hundreds of jobs, excellent conditions. This enterprise is of enormous importance for the development of agriculture both in the Shamakhi district and in our country as a whole. This is the largest meat and dairy farm not only in Azerbaijan but in the entire South Caucasus. Currently, we are working to reduce import volumes. We must ensure 100 percent self-sufficiency in meat, milk, and dairy products. We are close to this, but we have not yet achieved the goal. The launch of such farms will ensure the achievement of this goal, and in the future, we will even be able to export meat and dairy products.

Of course, the working conditions here are also excellent. I can particularly note that this complex is one of the most modern in the field of agriculture and agricultural product processing. Technologies from leading companies are applied here. The highest global standards of business approach are applied here. I want to note once again that this enterprise will also be of great importance for the growth of employment in the Shamakhi district.

You are also well aware that large-scale work is being carried out in the Shamakhi district today. Shamakhi has become one of the tourist centers of our country. Numerous modern recreation areas, hotels, catering facilities, cultural and educational institutions have been established. The Shamakhi–Baku highway also meets the most modern requirements. Now new opportunities have emerged for transport connections both with Baku and with the western and northwestern regions of the country. Currently, a new Shamakhi–Ismayilli–Gabala highway is under construction. The bridge being built there is the largest in our country. We will probably put it into operation next year. Transport connectivity issues within the country are also being resolved. We must do everything to ensure that our citizens live better, that there are jobs, and a decent standard of living.

The opening of such an enterprise during these festive days certainly has great symbolic significance. During these days, we celebrated both the Ramadan holiday and the Novruz holiday, and a very warm atmosphere and wonderful mood prevail throughout the country. The main reason for this is the development of our country, the fact that we live as a victorious nation and look to the future with great optimism.

Once again, I wholeheartedly congratulate you and wish you success.

Employees of the institution: Thank you very much.

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It should be noted that the commissioning of such a modern complex primarily contributes to the development of livestock farming, which is one of the important sectors of agriculture, and to ensuring food security. The implementation of the project also plays a significant role in enhancing the agricultural potential of the region as a whole. The application of modern technologies in such farms makes it possible to increase productivity, keep animals in healthy conditions, and reduce production costs. The commissioning of this complex will also have a positive impact on increasing the export potential of our country.

Qalereya