Azerbaijan's economy, traditionally reliant on oil and gas, is diversifying with agriculture playing a significant role, employing 37% of the workforce yet contributing just 7% to GDP. Agriculture is crucial for the nation's food security and non-oil exports. The Azerbaijani government, recognizing these challenges, has implemented support measures like grants and tax exemptions, particularly promoting U.S. agricultural machinery sales. Yet, issues like outdated food facilities, fragmented land, and poor irrigation systems persist. 

To address these, the Azerbaijani government is undertaking transformative projects. These projects aim to develop agricultural value chains and sustainable rural growth, aligning with the government's 2016 Strategic Roadmap for agriculture, envisioning development up to 2020 and beyond. 

A key initiative is the "Smart Villages" project in Aghali village. This project incorporates smart services and infrastructure to drive economic growth through technology and innovation. This comprehensive approach is pivotal in modernizing Azerbaijan's agricultural sector for sustainable long-term growth.