Russian wheat ban should not affect Azerbaijan

PM Putin’s of Russia decision to ban Russian wheat exports has created instability in the wheat market around the world. Other exporters of the region such as Belarus and Kazakhstan have not followed Russia's example and are not banning wheat exports, despite Putin's recommendation that they should do the same.

The Kazakh ministry of agriculture said that conditions in Kazakhstan are normal, there is a good crop yield and there is no necessity to restrict exports. Georgia will most probably be affected by the Russian wheat ban; however neighbouring Azerbaijan is not at all concerned. High ranking official Sabir Veliev stated that there are enough grains reserves in the country – more than 900 000 tonnes. He added that Azerbaijan receives the majority of its wheat from Kazakhstan and only 13% from Russia.