DOI: https://doi.org/10.36719/2707-1146/58/20-23
Vugar Garagurbanli
Scientific Research Institute of Cultivation of Fruits and Tea
https://orcid.org/0009-0005-1935-8170
vqarqar@gmail.com
Adapting California Almond Farming Practices to Azerbaijani
Conditions: Opportunities and Constraints
Abstract
Azerbaijan’s almond sector is gaining momentum, supported by favorable agro-ecological zones and rising global demand. In contrast, California—producing nearly 80% of the world’s almonds—benefits from decades of refinement in orchard design, irrigation, cultivar selection, bloom synchronization, and mechanized harvesting. This study explores how California’s model can inform the transformation of Azerbaijan’s predominantly artisanal almond cultivation. Using climate and soil comparisons, literature synthesis, and expert interviews, we identify California practices with the highest local adaptation potential: drip and regulated deficit irrigation (RDI), late-blooming cultivars, integrated pest management (IPM), and mechanized harvesting. Implementation, however, faces barriers such as inadequate water infrastructure, limited nursery certification, fragmented landholdings, and gaps in technical capacity. We conclude with recommendations for policy support and investment strategies to enable sustainable almond development in Azerbaijan.
Keywords: Almond cultivation, Azerbaijan, California model, Drip irrigation, Deficit irrigation, Late-blooming cultivars, IPM, Mechanization, Climate resilience