Soybean cultivation to be launched in country
By Amina Nazarli
The soybean is an irrigated summer growing oilseed crop, whose cultivation will soon be launched in Azerbaijan.
The aim of starting the soybean cultivation in the country is to meet the growing demand for feed and forage extension, in particular for poultry.
Deputy Agriculture Minister Seyfeddin Talibov said soybean plant is considered as the most favorable product for livestock and poultry. Therefore, the ministry launched concrete activities aimed at organization of the soybean cultivation in the country.
Soybean has been one of the five main plant foods of China along with rice, wheat, barley and millet. Today, more than 50 countries grow soybeans in much larger quantities than its homeland.
Most soybeans are processed for their oil and protein for the animal feed industry. Due to the high protein, soy food is extremely useful for livestock. Soybeans are also used as human food.
Azerbaijan is interested in the soybean cultivation not only to free the local farmers from dependence on foreign feed, but also for the high export potential of this product.
If Azerbaijan succeeds in the soybean production, then the country will meet the domestic needs and save at least $100 million directed to purchase feed for livestock.
A ton of soybean costs more than 1000 manats ($622) to Azerbaijan, and it is considered the most important component of the feed for animals. The country annually imports hundreds of thousands of tons of this legume from Latin America.
Last year, Azerbaijan imported grain amounting to approximately $343.3 million, according to the State Statistics Committee. Some $46 million were amounted to corn and soybeans.
--
Amina Nazarli is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @amina_nazarli
Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz