AZE.US
Azerbaijan has strong traditions in sheep farming, but declining livestock numbers have increased reliance on imported lamb. Experts say the country still has significant potential to expand domestic production.
Sheep farming has long been one of Azerbaijan’s traditional agricultural sectors. However, recent statistics suggest that domestic production of lamb is facing growing challenges.
According to specialists, the number of sheep in the country has declined by about 21% since 2017, raising concerns about the ability of local production to meet domestic demand.
Experts say one of the key reasons behind the decline is the early slaughter of lambs, which reduces herd growth and affects the long-term sustainability of the sector.
In some cases, animals are slaughtered when their weight reaches only 10–11 kilograms, which specialists say is economically inefficient and limits the development of the sheep farming industry.
Agricultural experts recommend avoiding the slaughter of lambs younger than six months, as older animals provide greater meat yield and higher nutritional value.
Despite Azerbaijan’s strong tradition in sheep breeding, part of the country’s demand for lamb is currently met through imports. In recent years, a noticeable share of imported lamb has come from Mongolia.
Officials note that imported meat undergoes veterinary and laboratory inspections before entering the domestic market and is considered safe for consumers. However, many buyers say local lamb still differs in taste.
At the same time, experts point to significant opportunities to expand domestic production. Pastures in Azerbaijan’s liberated territories, particularly in the mountainous regions of Kalbajar and Lachin, are seen as having major potential for livestock development.
According to estimates, these areas could support up to one million sheep during the summer grazing season, which typically lasts around 150 days.
Specialists believe that better use of these pastures, along with modern livestock management practices, could help Azerbaijan reduce its dependence on imported lamb in the coming years.