ECONOMIC EFFICIENCY AND DEVELOPMENT TRENDS OF APPLE PRODUCTION IN THE QUBA–KHACHMAZ ECONOMIC REGION IN AZERBAIJAN

Abstract

This study analyzes the economic efficiency and development trends of apple production in the Quba–Khachmaz economic region of Azerbaijan. Using statistical and analytical methods, including the Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR), the research evaluates changes in cultivated area, yield, and total production for the period 2020–2030. Findings reveal that although orchard areas have declined by over 20 percent, productivity has increased by more than 25 percent, indicating a shift toward intensive and resource-efficient agricultural practices. The transition to intensive and super-intensive orchard systems enhances production stability through technological innovation, improved irrigation, and sustainable resource use. These results demonstrate that modernization in fruit farming strengthens economic resilience and supports the transformation from extensive to intensive agriculture. The study contributes to the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by promoting sustainable agricultural growth, resource optimization, and environmentally responsible production models.