Azerbaijan, FAO sign agreement to improve seed potato production

Azerbaijan and the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) intend to develop the production of virus-free seed potatoes.

The relevant agreement was signed between Azerbaijani Agriculture Ministry and FAO, the ministry said on May 6.

The agreement was signed by Agriculture Minister Heydar Asadov and FAO Sub-Regional Coordinator for Central Asia Mustapha Sinaceur.

The project will be implemented within two years.

The implementation of the project will have a positive affect on the cultivation of seed potatoes, which will pave the ground for the resumption of potato production for food and commercial purposes.

The project is important for seed potato cultivation, certification, and skills development in Azerbaijan.

The new project will provide technical assistance in testing and demonstrating new potato cultivars, as well as the national certification system for seed production.

The project will also promote the development of national skills in the detection of viruses and studying potato pathology.