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Azerbaijan targets 10% increase in milk production and 20% rise in beef output by 2030

19 June 2026 12:19 (UTC +04:00)

Livestock farming is also one of the main directions of the State Program. In particular, increasing milk and beef production in the cattle breeding sector, raising the share of pedigree animals in herds, reducing import dependence, and increasing self-sufficiency levels have been identified as key targets, Deputy Minister of Agriculture Ilhama Gadimova said at a regional meeting for the Gazakh-Tovuz economic region in Shamkir dedicated to the discussion of the “State Program for 2026–2030 on the Development of Agricultural, Fisheries and Aquaculture Production and Processing Sectors in the Republic of Azerbaijan,” APA reports.

She stated that by 2030, milk production is targeted to increase by 10%, while beef production is expected to rise by 20%. The share of pedigree animals in herds is planned to reach 10%. The goal is to reduce milk imports by 49.6% and beef imports by 40.2%. In terms of self-sufficiency, increases of 8.5% for milk and 11.5% for beef are envisaged:

“To achieve these targets, it is planned to establish dairy and meat clusters, create nearly 1,000 new farms of various capacities within these clusters, and support the provision of pedigree breeding animals to these farms.

In addition, the establishment of 90 milk collection points and 15 hide collection points will be supported. This serves not only the development of production in livestock farming but also the establishment of supply, processing and sales chains.

The identification of all cattle is also an important measure. The identification of animals is essential for disease control, the organization of breeding activities, monitoring productivity, and the transparent application of subsidies.

Improving the provision of equipment and technologies for feed production is also one of the key requirements in this area. Productivity in livestock farming does not depend solely on the breed of the animal. If the feed base is weak, it is impossible to achieve high productivity even from the best pedigree animals. Therefore, feed production, water supply, veterinary services, and farm management must develop together.

It is envisaged to introduce pedigree animal subsidies and livestock product subsidies in this field. These support measures will encourage farmers to switch to more productive animals, increase milk and meat production, and move their farms toward a more intensive model.”

Ilhama Gadimova also added that by 2030 it is planned to increase sheep meat production by 9%, raise livestock numbers by 10%, increase exports to 2.9 thousand tons, and improve the self-sufficiency level by 7%:

“In this direction, the establishment of 300 new semi-intensive sheep farms is planned. This means a transition from traditional sheep farming to a more productive and more manageable model.

At the same time, it is planned to establish 10 wool collection points and one wool processing enterprise. This is very important in terms of creating added value in sheep farming. We must ensure not only meat production, but also the inclusion of wool, hides, and other by-products in economic circulation.”

Improving the provision of equipment and technologies for feed production is also a key issue for sheep farming. In addition, it is planned to support the restoration of 480,000 hectares of pastures and grazing lands. The restoration of pastures is essential for the sustainability of livestock farming. If pasture areas become degraded, animal productivity declines, feed costs increase, and the profitability of farms decreases.

It is also planned to support the drilling of 100 artesian wells to improve the provision of drinking water for animals. This is particularly important support for summer-winter pasture systems, semi-intensive farms, and areas facing water shortages.

The establishment of an agropark to attract foreign investment into the sheep farming sector is also envisaged. This could contribute to the development of the sector through modern management, technology, and market opportunities.

All parties have significant responsibilities for the successful implementation of this State Program. Entrepreneurs and the private sector must also play a more active role in this process. There are broad investment opportunities in silos, cold storage facilities, processing plants, milk collection points, wool collection and processing infrastructure, as well as intensive horticulture and livestock farms. State support mechanisms create favorable conditions for the implementation of these investments.

As a result, the State Program for 2026–2030 marks the beginning of a qualitatively new stage in the agricultural sector. The main essence of this program is that we must increase productivity not by using more land, but by using existing land more efficiently.

The region’s land, water resources, human capital, and production traditions create significant potential. The key issue is to transform this potential into real results through proper organization, state support, farmer responsibility, and private sector investment.

The importance of our joint activities in the mentioned areas is high, and as the Ministry of Agriculture, we will continue to hold regular meetings with stakeholders, exchange information, and take measures to resolve problems.”