Growing plans in Azerbaijan

Under government plans, Azerbaijan is aiming to increase the amount of land under tobacco from 3,200 ha to 6,000 ha, according to an AzerNews story relayed by the TMA.

Azerbaijan produces 1.6 billion cigarettes a year but consumes more than 10 billion, which means that it spends about US$150 million a year on imports.

Economist Dr. Rufat Guliyev indicated the time was right to increase production.

For one thing, new varieties had been introduced during the past 15 years.

For another, the current level of tobacco control in Europe meant it was practically impossible to plant tobacco there.

In addition, the world had almost ceased offering subsidies in the sphere of tobacco growing.

Azerbaijan harvested 3,700 tons of tobacco during January-September, up 19.3 percent on that of the corresponding period of last year, according to the State Statistics Committee.

Also in January-September, the country produced tobacco products worth 27.48 million manat (US$16.2 million), down 12.8 percent on the value of products produced during the first nine months of 2016.