Kalbajar: The “Kalbajar Honey Festival 2025” was held in Kalbajar district, initiated by Leyla Aliyeva, Vice President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and head of IDEA Public Union.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, the festival was organized collaboratively by IDEA Public Union, the Special Representation of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan in Kalbajar district, the Ministry of Agriculture, “Agricultural Procurement and Supply” OJSC, and the Azerbaijan Beekeepers Association.
The event saw the presence of notable figures including Bashir Hajiyev, the Special Representative of the President in Kalbajar district, Minister of Agriculture Majnun Mammadov, and Elgun Mahammadelizade, Chairman of the Board of Directors of “Agricultural Procurement and Supply” OJSC. Representatives from state institutions and local residents also attended.
Thirty-seven beekeepers and farmers from the Karabakh, East Zangezur economic regions, and other parts of Azerbaijan showcased their branded products. The festival aimed to promote and geographically brand Kalbajar honey, support local beekeepers, and enhance their market access both locally and internationally. It also sought to boost tourism by highlighting the region’s history, natural beauty, and pastures.
Minister of Agriculture Majnun Mammadov emphasized the potential for beekeeping in Kalbajar and other liberated areas, noting significant domestic demand for products from these regions. He highlighted the importance of branding for international market access and stated that the ministry assists beekeepers in this endeavor. In 2024, Azerbaijan’s bee colonies reached 579,000, with honey production increasing by 13.04% from 2023.
The festival concluded with a concert program, adding a cultural dimension to the event.