Azerbaijan plans to reduce dependence on Russian wheat imports

Azerbaijan plans to increase its food wheat production from 20% to 50% of its total demand in the coming years, aiming to reduce its dependence on grain imports from Russia, Reuters reports.

“Currently, of the 1.6 million tons of domestically produced wheat in Azerbaijan, only 300,000-400,000 tons are food grade, which covers approximately 20% of domestic demand,” Seymur Safarli, head of the Department of Organization and Monitoring of Crop Production at the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Armenia, said in a statement.

He also added that Azerbaijan’s annual demand for food wheat is approximately 1.8 million tons, of which approximately 90% is imported from Russia.

According to Safarli, the ministry intends to gradually expand grain production by introducing modern irrigation systems, improving farming practices, and encouraging consolidation in the sector.

He added that food wheat imports into the country will likely remain at current levels in 2026.

Tags: Russia, wheat, Azerbaijan