Kalbajar: On September 12, another Honey Festival was held in Kalbajar district at the initiative of Leyla Aliyeva, Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and founder of the IDEA Public Union.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, the festival was a collaborative effort by the IDEA Public Union, the Office of the Special Representative of the President of Azerbaijan in Kalbajar district, the Ministry of Agriculture, Agrarian Procurement and Supply OJSC, and the Azerbaijan Beekeepers Association. The event was attended by Assistant to the President of Azerbaijan Hikmat Hajiyev, Special Assignments Representative Elchin Amirbayov, Special Representative Bashir Hajiyev, Minister of Agriculture Majnun Mammadov, and members of the diplomatic corps accredited in Azerbaijan, alongside state officials and local residents.
Before the festival began, the delegation reviewed the district’s ongoing construction projects. Bashir Hajiyev provided a detailed briefing to diplomatic representatives about the restoration, reconstruction, and improvement efforts in Kalbajar since its liberation. These efforts focus on developing modern infrastructure and ensuring the socio-economic growth of the region, with an aim to facilitate the return of the local population.
The festival officially opened with the National Anthem and a moment of silence for the martyrs. Its primary goal was to highlight Azerbaijani honey’s geographical branding, support local beekeepers, and boost access to both local and international markets. The event also aimed to enhance tourism by showcasing Kalbajar’s history, nature, and cultural heritage, including promoting agritourism, ecotourism, and rural tourism.
Thirty-four beekeeper farmers from the Karabakh and East Zangezur economic regions and other areas participated in the festival. The ‘Young Beekeeper’ project, initiated by the IDEA Public Union, also showcased products to encourage environmental entrepreneurship among youth. The array of honey and beekeeping products, along with innovative beekeeping practices, garnered significant interest from attendees.
Visitors, including diplomatic representatives, engaged with the farmers to learn about honey production and quality standards, discussing seasonal productivity and market opportunities. Bashir Hajiyev expressed confidence that the Honey Festival would become a regular event, contributing to Kalbajar’s agricultural and economic potential on both national and international levels.
Minister of Agriculture Majnun Mammadov emphasized the development opportunities for agriculture, particularly beekeeping, in Kalbajar due to ongoing restoration efforts. He highlighted the planned relocation of 148,308 bee colonies by 2026 as evidence of the growing interest in beekeeping. He expressed optimism about the future of Azerbaijani honey in global markets through state support and collaborative efforts.
The event also featured a video presentation about Kalbajar’s restoration and concluded with a concert program.