To Azerbaijan, the pomegranate is a national fruit. It plays a big role in the development of the non-oil sector in Azerbaijan, as it is linked to both agriculture and tourism. According to the head of the Azerbaijani Association of Pomegranate Manufacturers and Exporters, Farhad Garashov, Azerbaijan intends to increase the export of pomegranate in 2019. The pomegranate is currently exported to the CIS countries. “In Azerbaijan, mainly cultivated varieties of pomegranate include Guloysha, Bala Mursal, Girmizigabig and Vilash. Vilash is the most favorable among these varieties in terms of cold storage and resistance to damage during transport.”
Garashov mentioned that Azerbaijani pomegranate products are sold in many countries of the world. Companies such as Gilan Holding, Azersun, AzNar and AzGranata, which are members of the association, export pomegranate-made products to many European countries, as well as to Canada and the US.
“Today, Azerbaijani pomegranate is widely exported to Russia, Georgia and Ukraine. Pomegranate exports to Europe are at a low level, but we intend to increase this figure in 2019,” he noted.
Azerbaijan is considered the only country where all varieties of pomegranate grow. The Gulovsha, Vesel, Shandi, Shirin and Bala Mursal varieties are mainly cultivated in local gardens. For the further development of pomegranate production, measures to cultivate new varieties and create new gardens are being taken.
Azernews.az reports how the Goychay region is distinguished for the pomegranate cultivation in Azerbaijan. Since 2006, traditional festivals of pomegranates have been held in Goychay region every year. It serves to promote the Azerbaijani pomegranate that has become a cultural and tourism symbol of the country.
