Azerbaijan is preparing a support program for fish farms and aquaculture businesses under which the state would provide a grant covering 40% of equipment costs and finance another 40% through an interest-free loan.
Farmers would be required to make a down payment of at least 20%, while the government would cover interest on the financed portion, Vesti Baku reported.
A specialized working group has reviewed the list of eligible machinery. It includes water-recirculation and quality-control systems, aerators, oxygen generators, filters, pumps, sensors, disinfection units, floating cages, feed dispensers, tanks for raising fish eggs and equipment for transporting live fish.
The Agricultural Credit and Development Agency expects the list to be approved without major changes. The incentives are planned to take effect Jan. 1, 2027, but they are not operative until final approval.
Land-use requirements for the industry have also been eased. Aquaculture farms may now be established without changing a site’s land category, including on agricultural and industrial land.
An Agriculture Ministry representative also said fish products, including caviar, are exempt from taxation. Criteria are being developed so mandatory environmental assessments reflect the scale of a farm rather than applying the same requirement to every project.