Azernews.Az

By Sara Israfilbayova

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations will start implementing new projects in Azerbaijan next month.

Melek Chakmak, head of the FAO representative office in Azerbaijan reported that among the new projects should be noted development of sheep breeding, artificial insemination and transfer of embryos, development of potato seed production, etc. The project budget is estimated at $4 million.

Chakmak added that within the framework of the cooperation program a project on the development of hazelnut production in Azerbaijan is planned.

“In addition, a project to develop the diagnostic capacity of the veterinary laboratory will be implemented, which is an important issue for the Food Safety Agency. The project will be funded by FAO, for which purpose it is planned to allocate about $350,000.”

The FAO is specialized agency of the UN that leads international efforts to defeat hunger.

The goal is to achieve food security for all and make sure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. With over 194 member states, FAO works in over 130 countries worldwide.

Azerbaijan has been the member of FAO since October 1995.

FAO’s partnership with Azerbaijan is focused on six priority areas, that include the promotion of women's representation in rural organizations and income-generating activities for rural women as a cross-cutting issue: Animal health and plant protection; Supporting investments in agriculture, food security and rural development; Capacity development, including agricultural education, research and extension; Strengthening the policy and institutional framework for agriculture and rural development; Improved crop, fisheries and livestock production; Sustainable, equitable and efficient forestry, land and water resource management.

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Sara Israfilbayova is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Sara_999Is

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