WNAM MONITORING: More than 148,000 bee colonies have been approved for relocation to Kalbajar to support the development of beekeeping, Agriculture Minister Majnun Mammadov said.
The minister spoke about the development of beekeeping in the liberated territories and the work being carried out in this area.
Mammadov said the Honey Festival in Kalbajar is important in terms of reviving the agricultural sector in the liberated territories, promoting local production and showcasing the district”s economic potential.
He noted that the festival presents not only beekeeping products, but also the work of farmers, the potential of local production and opportunities for the development of agriculture.
“Beekeeping is one of Azerbaijan’s centuries-old agricultural traditions. In addition to being an important area of agriculture, the sector helps increase the incomes of family farms and expand employment, particularly in the regions,” Mammadov said.
According to the minister, state policies implemented in recent years have contributed to the expansion of beekeeping.
“The payment of subsidies for each bee colony in 2018–2023 provided additional incentives for beekeepers. The inclusion of equipment and machinery used in beekeeping on the list of subsidized equipment also helped improve producers’ technical capabilities,” he said.
Mammadov noted that these measures have resulted in a significant increase in the number of bee colonies and beekeeping farms across the country.
The minister also highlighted measures aimed at promoting sales of beekeeping products.
He said the 25th Republican Exhibition and Sales Fair of Beekeeping Products was held last year by the Agricultural Procurement and Supply OJSC under the Agriculture Ministry.
Nearly 300 beekeepers from more than 30 regions of the country participated in the event, where a total of 83.5 tons of beekeeping products were sold.
Beekeepers were also supported with product packaging and branding as part of the fair. According to Mammadov, these measures are aimed at improving the presentation of beekeeping products in the domestic market and expanding export opportunities in the future.
Mammadov stressed that the liberated territories have favorable natural conditions for the development of beekeeping, with rich flora and a suitable environment creating significant potential for the sector.
He noted that seasonal relocation of beekeeping farms to the liberated territories began in 2021, when farms were moved to Lachin and Kalbajar districts.
“During the 2026 seasonal relocation period, permission was granted to move 148,308 bee colonies belonging to 3,396 farmers to Kalbajar district,” Mammadov said.
The minister added that the key objective is to improve the quality and competitiveness of local beekeeping products and turn Azerbaijani honey into an internationally recognized and trusted national product.
