Contribution of the Agriculture Sector in Sustainable Development in Eurasian Countries: Evaluating Risks and Opportunities

Abstract

If the economic performance of the Eurasian countries are to be evaluated, the significant positive impact of the rich natural resources used in energy pruduction deserve the central attention. However, agriculture sector still has a great influence on economy. According to the statistics; Azerbaijan’s agricultural exports have jumped by almost US$500 million in the last ten years, now totaling to almost half its Gross Domestic Product. Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan contribution to GDP is roughly 27% by agriculture sector. For the rest, similar characteristics can be seen as well. Agriculture sector has a crucial role not only for production but also for the potential labor force that can be transposed to other sectors. For this reason, the policies that are implemented for the rural development contribute to the whole country. Since, increasing the social welfare and promoting the competent labor force for other sectors will lead to a country which is self sufficient and sustainable. The aim of this study is to analyze agriculture sector of Eurasian countries to find out the sector’s contribution to economic development. As a result, tourism and textile sectors to be qualified as focal sectors in the coming years in Eurasian countries and capable to provide essential value added to development are directly related to agriculture. Enhancement of agricultural productivity, development and diversification of market oriented production will be achieved through supporting rural areas. In addition to agricultural support, facilitating access to information sources can be provided by enhancement of dissemination activities.