As part of the International Potato Tour (IPT), a key meeting with farmers was held in Azerbaijan, bringing together growers, agronomists, and industry representatives to discuss real challenges in potato production and practical solutions for increasing efficiency.
The meeting became not only a platform for knowledge exchange, but also an important step in strengthening international cooperation in the region.
Strategic Partnership: EMA AGRO Joins the International Potato Tour
The international media platform POTATOES NEWS officially announced a new strategic partnership in the South Caucasus.
EMA AGRO MMC, one of the leading agricultural technology suppliers in Azerbaijan, has become the Regional Partner of the International Potato Tour (IPT) in Azerbaijan.
This partnership will:
- strengthen international agricultural cooperation
- open access to key potato-growing regions of Azerbaijan
- support the organization of field visits and farmer meetings
- contribute to knowledge exchange between local and global experts
EMA AGRO: Nearly Three Decades of Agricultural Innovation
Founded in 1996, EMA AGRO has established itself as one of the most recognized agricultural input suppliers in Azerbaijan.
The company plays a crucial role in connecting global agricultural technologies with local farmers and provides:
- crop protection products
- plant nutrition and fertilizers
- seed distribution
- agronomic consulting
- agricultural equipment
Through partnerships with international agrochemical and seed companies, EMA AGRO supports the внедрение modern technologies that improve productivity and crop quality.
Field Meeting: From Theory to Practice
The meeting with farmers was conducted in an open discussion format, allowing participants to focus on real production challenges.
Key topics included:
- seed potato quality and treatment
- soil analysis and fertility management
- protection against late blight, alternaria, and bacterial diseases
- pest control, including wireworms
- balanced plant nutrition and micronutrients
Farmers emphasized that stable yields require a systematic and technology-driven approach.
Avgust: Partner and Technology Provider
The meeting also featured representatives of Avgust, a leading crop protection company and partner of the International Potato Tour.
Stanislav Kim, representing Avgust, highlighted a critical issue for modern potato production:
“It is not enough to change product names — we must change active ingredients. Pathogens adapt, and effectiveness declines over time.”
This reflects a key global challenge in crop protection.
Farmers were encouraged to adopt:
- rotation of active ingredients
- preventive protection strategies
- combination of contact and systemic products
- early-stage seed treatment as a foundation of protection
Soil Health as the Foundation of Yield
A major part of the discussion focused on soil management:
- regular soil testing
- balance of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium
- importance of organic matter and humus
- impact of soil structure on disease development
Participants noted that soil health remains an underestimated factor in many farms, despite its direct influence on productivity.
Potato Regions of Azerbaijan in Focus
Within the framework of the International Potato Tour, special attention will be given to key potato-growing regions of Azerbaijan:
- Gədəbəy District – major highland potato production area
- Tovuz District – actively developing vegetable and potato farming
- Şəmkir District – expanding production supported by irrigation
- Daşkəsən District – favorable mountain climate
- Qusar District – traditional potato-growing region
These regions are of high interest for international experts studying potato systems in the South Caucasus.
Key Challenges Identified
The meeting highlighted several pressing issues:
- increasing resistance of diseases
- accumulation of pathogens in soil
- declining efficiency of traditional crop protection schemes
- limited access to advanced technologies in some farms
At the same time, the region demonstrates strong potential for growth and modernization.
International Potato Tour: A Platform for Real Agriculture
As a regional partner, EMA AGRO will support the IPT team in organizing:
- farm visits
- field observations
- interviews with growers and experts
- documentation of local farming practices
All materials will be published on POTATOES NEWS and shared with the global potato industry.
About the International Potato Tour
The International Potato Tour is a global initiative exploring potato production, storage, processing, and agricultural innovation across different countries.
The project connects farmers, researchers, and agribusiness companies, creating a unique platform for sharing knowledge and best practices.
Contact
Companies interested in joining the International Potato Tour are invited to participate.
Founder of the International Potato Tour
Viktor Kovalev
📧 i@viktorkovalev.ru
📱 WhatsApp: +79614720202
