A few days ago, I was at an agricultural exhibition. I was inquiring there because one of the primary directives after the lands were liberated from occupation was to bring these territories back into the cultivation cycle.

Axar.az reports that this was stated by President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev during his meeting on May 9 with residents relocating to Shukurbeyli village in the Jabrayil district.

"Every year, following the planting and harvesting season, I receive a briefing and review the progress of grain production. It is going well across the country–to use the old lexicon, it is approximately 35 quintals per hectare, which is effectively 3.5 tons. I was curious about the figures in Garabagh; they are very low, and the question arises: why? Especially since, as you know well, the soil here is very fertile and highly productive.

I am now being provided with explanations–including from foreign specialists–that the Armenians exploited and trampled this land so irregularly and excessively that it may take 5 to 10 years to revitalize these soils. Therefore, just as they plundered and exploited all our natural resources, they have also left our land in a largely ruined state. Consequently, we must revitalize these lands based on modern agro-technical measures, contemporary irrigation systems, and our general strategy for agricultural development. As you well know, there are fertile lands in many regions of Azerbaijan, including Garabagh and East Zangezur," the head of state added.