Some 61 percent of Azerbaijan’s agricultural production is crop production, with cattle breeding accounting for about 39 percent. Currently, the main objective of the agricultural sector of Azerbaijan is providing the population with food and goods, that is, satisfaction of local demand is a priority policy for now.

In the first half of 2019, the total agricultural production in the country increased by 13 percent compared to the same period last year, the Agriculture Ministry said in a message.

Figures for crop production recorded a 25.6 percent growth, reaching 1.77 billion manats ($1.04 billion) in monetary terms. For the first six months of this year, production of potatoes increased by 10.3 percent, cereals (including corn) - by 40.7 percent, vegetables - by 13.8 percent, fruits and berries - by 21.1 percent, melon crops - by 37.5 percent.

Within the reporting period, 335,700 tons of potatoes, 2,541,700 tons of cereals (including corn), 675,100  tons of vegetables, 125,200 tons of fruits and berries, 54,800 tons of melons and gourds were grown in the country.

In the first half of 2019, potatoes and vegetable products were exported for $181.3 million, fruits – for $137.2 million (along with cotton fiber at $75.7 million and tobacco raw materials at $6.4 million).

It also stated that compared to the same period last year, fruit exports grew by 42.2 percent.