FAO and AXA hold seed production conference, focus on local seed production
The UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the Agricultural Services Agency (AXA) under the Ministry of Agriculture jointly held a conference on seed production. Local seed production, a new State Programme and subsidy mechanisms were discussed at the event.
Abdulrahman Sadikhli3 min read
The UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the Agricultural Services Agency (AXA) under the Ministry of Agriculture jointly held a conference titled “A new era in seed production: local seed, reliable supply”. The event discussed expanding local seed production, increasing the use of certified seed and new subsidy mechanisms set for 2027.
The conference was attended by Minister of Agriculture Majnun Mammadov, Chairman of the Food Safety Agency Goshgar Tahmazli, FAO Regional Representative for Europe and Central Asia Viorel Gutu, Chairman of the Milli Majlis Committee on Agrarian Policy Tahir Rzayev, as well as representatives of state institutions, scientists, seed producers and farmers.
The event began with a minute of silence in memory of the martyrs, followed by the national anthem.
Minister: seed production is important for food security
Minister of Agriculture Majnun Mammadov said that developing seed production is important for strengthening the country's food security and increasing farmers' incomes.
According to him, the State Programme for 2026–2030 approved by an Order dated May 25, 2026, and the new Law “On Seed Production” create new opportunities for the development of the sector.
The minister noted that the new subsidy mechanisms set for 2027 envisage higher subsidy rates for areas planted with super-elite seeds, while the discount rate applied to the purchase of agricultural machinery is to be increased to 50 percent. Expanding the use of certified seed was also identified as a key priority.
Seed quality controls and international support
Chairman of the Food Safety Agency Goshgar Tahmazli said seed quality and safety are among the key conditions for productivity and plant health. According to him, seeds brought into the country are tested for viral and bacterial diseases, and only products meeting the requirements are permitted for import.
FAO Regional Representative Viorel Gutu said that, within the framework of cooperation with Azerbaijan, support had been provided for modernizing AXA laboratories, digitizing the approval of seed-growing fields, and establishing a modern laboratory network in Khankendi.
Investment in local seed production is of strategic importance not only for the development of agriculture, but also for strengthening food security and reducing supply risks.
Chairman of the Milli Majlis Committee on Agrarian Policy Tahir Rzayev noted that, alongside increasing domestic production, productivity and export opportunities, the new State Programme also gives special attention to the development of seed production.
The conference continued with panel discussions. The discussions covered increasing local and certified seed production, applying modern breeding methods, strengthening support for seed producers, and improving farmers' access to quality seed.
At the end of the event, awards were presented to producers who had distinguished themselves in the field of seed production.
