Azernews.Az

By Leman Mammadova

Local mineral water producer Sirab is planning to increase its export volumes until the end of this year.

"The company operating in Azerbaijan’s Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic intends to increase the supply of mineral water to the CIS countries due to high demand in these markets," Sirab told Trend.

At the same time, the company intends to start to supply mineral water to the Arab countries this autumn. "In this regard, we are currently holding talks with our partners in Kuwait and Qatar," Sirab noted.

The biggest share of export accounts for the Russian market, the company said, noting that Sirab mineral water is in great demand in the local market and abroad, not only because of its taste, but also because of its healing properties, effective against various diseases.

Azerbaijan is famous for its pleasant climate and rich natural resources. Since ancient times its people have not used a lot of medication, and rather opted for recuperative water, fresh air, light and other home remedies.

Very valuable mineral waters are widely spread in the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic. It is not coincidental that Nakhchivan is called the "Natural museum of mineral waters".

The most valuable mineral water deposits of Nakhchivan are Sirab, Badamli, Vaykhir, Daridag, Nahajir, Gizilvang, Jahri, Gamur, Gahab, Dasta and others, with their extremely balneological hydro resources and diversity encompassing all types of carbon-carbonate, carbon-chloride and sulfur waters.

The Sirab mineral water source is located in Nakhchivan`s Babek region on the slope of a mountain, 1,100 meters above sea level. Derived from the name of the Sirab village, it means "mysterious water", or from Persian "Ser ab" - "main (head) water".

There are basically three mineral water basins in Sirab: Kalbaaghil, Shorsudara and Kutandagh. Even the chemical compound of these waters is different from each other. Water in Kalbaaghil basin is extracted from the 250 meters of depth, and is included in the Georgian Borjomi type water group for its low-mineralized, carbon dioxide, hydrocarbonate-calcium-natrium peculiarities.

Sirab water is consumed both in carbonated and non-carbonated forms. Sirab contains iron, bromine, lithium, strontsium and other useful chemical elements. Relating to the volcanic origin waters, it is also useful in the treatment of gastro-intestinal, liver, kidney, urinary and other diseases. According to the experimental and clinical study of Sirab's reaction with the functioning of the pancreas, it was found out that the water increases its activity.

Sirab is considered to be the best example of healing carbon dioxide water, being Nakhchivan's most popular brand of mineral water.

From the establishment of the Sirab company to the present, natural mineral drinking water Sirab has won deserved recognition of consumers for its curative properties and great taste, not only in Azerbaijan, but also in Russia, Ukraine, Latvia, Turkey, Iran and other countries.

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Leman Mammadova is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @leman_888

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