BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 16. The United
Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is working with
Azerbaijan's Ministry of Agriculture to develop a strategy and
program for the natural resources and agricultural potential of the
country's liberated territories, FAO Representative in Azerbaijan
Nasar Hayat told Trend.


In an interview with Trend on the sidelines of the World Food
Day 2026 event, jointly organized by ADA University, Azerbaijan's
Ministry of Agriculture, and FAO on Friday, Hayat discussed
cooperation between the organization and Azerbaijan.


He said FAO was cooperating with the Ministry of Agriculture on
artificial intelligence solutions, technological innovations, and
digital technologies for the agricultural sector. The organization
is also working with the ministry to develop a strategy and program
to make use of the natural resources and agricultural potential of
the liberated territories.


Hayat said FAO was considering a number of projects for
implementation in Azerbaijan. The organization's main priority is
to support the Ministry of Agriculture in achieving the objectives
set under the Agricultural Development Program.


"At the same time, the agricultural sector faces various
challenges, including climate change, water scarcity, and soil
health. These are just a few of the challenges. We intend to
provide support across all these areas," he said.


According to Hayat, cooperation should help the ministry achieve
the program's intended results while also addressing the needs of
Azerbaijan's population and farmers.


He said artificial intelligence was becoming an increasingly
useful tool in various sectors, including agriculture.


Hayat stressed that introducing innovations, using technology,
and advancing digitalization were essential for the agricultural
sector. These opportunities are not limited to the most advanced
agricultural technologies but also cover various aspects of
farmers' daily activities.


"We can also look at areas such as early warning, climate
change, efficient water use, and market information. These are some
of the areas where technology can provide real support to farmers
in achieving better results and producing better crops with fewer
resources," he said.


Hayat also noted that FAO had the capacity to support the
development and application of artificial intelligence solutions
for agriculture in Azerbaijan.


"We are working with the Ministry of Agriculture on artificial
intelligence solutions, as well as other technological and digital
innovations. We have extensive capabilities not only in our office
in Azerbaijan but also in our subregional office in Ankara, our
regional office in Budapest, and our headquarters in Rome," the FAO
representative said.







He also addressed support for the development of sustainable
agriculture in Azerbaijan's liberated territories, noting that FAO
approaches the region from the perspective of agriculture and
natural resource management.


"We are currently working with the Ministry of Agriculture to
develop a strategy and program on how the natural resources and
agricultural potential of that area can be developed," Hayat
said.


Having visited Karabakh several times, Hayat described the
region's agricultural production potential as substantial.


"I have been to the Karabakh region many times. The region has
great potential. It is very rich in both natural and water
resources and has considerable potential for agricultural
production," he said.


Hayat emphasized the importance of attracting more young people
to agriculture to help ensure food supplies for the population.


He said one of the main tasks was to explain to young people the
connection between agriculture and technology.


"Most young people, especially those living in cities, think
that agriculture is still the same activity their grandparents were
engaged in. However, agriculture has undergone tremendous
development over the past two generations," he said.


The FAO representative noted that modern agriculture had become
a sector that uses drones, artificial intelligence, digital
solutions, and satellite imagery.


"Today, this sector is connected with drones, artificial
intelligence, digital solutions, and satellite imagery. In other
words, agriculture is just as modern as any other sector," Hayat
said.


Azerbaijan became a member of FAO on October 20, 1995.