In 2024, the total insurance coverage for cherry orchards in Azerbaijan amounted to 1.4 million manats ($823,529), while in 2025 this figure has almost tripled to 3.9 million manats (just over $2.294 million), Report informs, citing Azerbaijan’s Agrarian Insurance Fund.

The increase in insured farmland and crop volume has led to a rise in insurance premiums for cherry orchards in 2025. In 2024, the total premium stood at 58,000 manats ($34,117) with 29,000 manats ($17,058) paid by farmers, whereas in the current year, premiums reached 90,000 manats ($52,941). Since 50% of this amount is covered by the state, farmers have paid only 45,000 manats ($26,470).

The fund noted that alongside the growth in insured areas, insurance payouts for cherry orchards have also increased.

During the 2022–2023 planting season, farmers in Khachmaz, Ismayilli, and Qusar districts received a total of 52,800 manats ($31,058) in compensation. In the 2023–2024 season, payouts reached 83,800 manats ($49,294) for damage in Aghstafa, Samukh, and Shamkir districts. Thus, total payouts over the past two years have amounted to 136,600 manats ($80,352).

In 2025, due to sudden changes in weather conditions, damage has been reported across 36 hectares of cherry orchards. Although the expected yield from these areas was 1.2 million manats ($705,882), the damage only affected part of the crops. Inspection and initial assessments have already been conducted. Final compensation amounts will be determined after the harvest, based on a detailed valuation.

Last year, cherry orchards were insured across 119 hectares in 14 districts, while in 2025, 228 hectares across 15 districts, involving 110 farmers and farms, have been insured. The main regions covered include Quba, Qusar, Khachmaz, Aghdash, Aghstafa, Tartar, and Shabran.

Currently, under the crop insurance scheme of the Agrarian Insurance Fund, 48 products from 41 plant varieties are insured—of which fruit crops form a significant portion. In addition to general risks, cherry, grape, and cotton orchards are also insured against hailstorms, which can cause fruit cracking and crop loss.

The fund emphasized that due to the increased intensity of natural disasters, farmers’ interest in insurance is growing, and higher compensation amounts are expected for fruit orchards in 2025. Therefore, the Agrarian Insurance Fund encourages farmers to take advantage of state-supported agricultural insurance opportunities.

Source - https://report.az