Azerbaijan has been working on a state program for the development of citrus farming in recent years. In January 2023, Azerbaijan exported 9.9 times more citrus fruits than during the same period in 2022, and pomegranate exports increased by almost 5 times.
Local farmers complain about low prices for citrus fruits and a decrease in purchasing power among the population. The lack of storage and processing conditions leads to significant losses.
Economist Rauf Garayev notes that the Russian market is the main market for citrus. It is also necessary to find new markets, such as Central Asian countries, but even there, Azerbaijan will face competitors.
"It is necessary to approach logistics issues competently and think about how to reduce transportation costs. Oranges and mandarins from other countries such as Turkey and Pakistan are coming to us. They often look more attractive than local ones, but in terms of taste, they can be inferior. So, our products face competition both on the external and internal markets."
source: m.zerkalo.az