Scientific-Practical Aspects of the Organic Tomato Production in Azerbaijan

Over the past 50–60 years, the proportion of vegetable crops in the diet of people has increased, and an increase in demand has led to an increase in production. Thus, China accounts for 31% of the 170 million tons of tomatoes produced in the world, 11.2% in India, 8.8% in the USA and 6.9% in Turkey. In Azerbaijan, this figure is 465 thousand tons. The widespread use and use of fertilizers and other pesticides in vegetable production poses a serious threat to human health and the environment. Research shows that the quality indicators of vegetable products often do not meet international standards and medical norms . One of the main reasons for this is the excess of nitrates in the product. Overusing of nitrogen fertilizers, as well as pollution of ground and surface water sources, atmospheric nitrogen compounds, also accumulates large amounts of nitrate in fruit and vegetable and feed crops (and therefore dairy products). Nitrate (NO3) is one of the most common compounds in nitrogen in nature. They are always present in the soil and play an important role in plant nutrition. Part of the nitrogen and other fertilizers supplied to the soil is washed with rain and irrigation water and accumulated in ponds and water sources, mixed with river salts and poured into the sea. On average, 200,000 people die each year from the effects of these poisons on the human body. Thus, the growth of fatal diseases and environmental pollution has led to an increase in the number of countries that are currently engaged in environmentally friendly (organic) production (181 countries). The natural conditions of Azerbaijan provide great opportunities for expanding the production of vegetables in the country. However, given the viability and historical importance of the transition to organic vegetable growing in the country, the solution to this problem depends on the state approach.