(MENAFN- AzerNews)
Nigar Hasanova Read more
Although there is great potential for the export of processed
hazelnuts in Azerbaijan, the country mainly exports shelled
hazelnuts to the countries of the European Union and Russia. 60-70
percent of hazelnut production in Azerbaijan is organised by small
farmers, and hazelnut orchards are a secondary source of income for
them.
According to Azernews , this is stated in the
report titled Green Energy Opportunities in the Hazelnut Value
Chain in Azerbaijan of the Partnership and Coordination Office of
the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) in Azerbaijan.
The report says that 95 percent of the production mainly falls
in the Sheki-Zagatala region. This region has fertile land for the
production of hazelnuts, and activities in these two regions
strongly influence and shape the country's hazelnut market.
Besides, the hazelnut market in the country was less developed
until 2015. Small entrepreneurs employed outdated methods in
hazelnut cultivation, leading to subpar productivity.
In addition, the organisation of hazelnut processing in the
country was lacking. State programs have been implemented to boost
production and exports in this field. Hazelnut farming is
considered a lucrative industry that can contribute to the
country's economy.
The document also mentions that not all hazelnuts produced in
Azerbaijan go through every stage of the value chain.
"In 2021, 67,630 tons of hazelnuts were produced in the country,
56% of which were sold by farmers directly to processors, 22% were
directed to the local market, and 12% used them themselves," the
report says.
It should be recalled that in the 11th month of 2023, Azerbaijan
exported 21 thousand 382 tons of hazelnuts, the value of this
amount of hazelnuts was 111 million 528 thousand US dollars.
Compared to the same period in 2022, these are 2 thousand 391 tons
( 12.5% ) more in terms of volume and 14 million 43 thousand US
dollars ( 14.4% ) more in terms of value. The total area of
hazelnut orchards in 2021 was around 73.3 thousand hectares, of
which 94 % is owned by farmers, and the remaining 6 %, i.e. 4.25
thousand hectares, belongs to commercial organizations.
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