The development of the NENEFTER Sector in Azerbaijan, in particular, agriculture, is always in the focus of the state. The agrarian sector, along with ensuring the country’s food security, is an important sphere in terms of employment in the regions, improving the material well -being of farmers, increasing export potential.
In this regard, cotton breeding is one of the leading directions. In our country, the strong traditions of cotton breeding have historically developed, and on the initiative of President Ilham Aliyev, starting in 2015, these traditions were again comprehensively restored. Thanks to the attention of the head of state, the mechanisms of state support for the development of cotton breeding have been formed, improved, and as a result in recent years it has become one of the most profitable directions of the agricultural sector. What is the current situation in this time -consuming, profitable industry with high export potential?
The collection of cotton in Azerbaijan has already entered the final stage. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, more than 300 thousand tons of cotton were collected from the fields. The average yield from the hectare reached 30 percent. Head of the Department of Public Relations and Information Support of the Ministry of Vurg Huseynov says that these figures are not final:
“harvesting is completed by approximately 92 percent of the sowing areas. If weather conditions allow, then harvesting will continue until mid -December. Precipitation slows down the collection of cotton, the operation of the equipment in the field is difficult. Although we are faced with this situation every year, this year, this year, this year set the goal of collecting the main part of the crop before the start of the rains, and we have achieved this goal. We think we will successfully finish the season. In recent years, when the traditions of cotton breeding were restored, production volumes and average yield in this area are increasing. The highest average yield was recorded In 2020. In the same year, the average yield reached 33.6 centners and 33,6800 tons of cotton were collected from the fields. This is the highest average productivity recorded in cotton breeding during the Independence period of Azerbaijan. We expect to complete the season with high indicators this year and this year “.
An interesting moment arises when analyzing statistical data related to crop cotton. Over the past four years, the sowing area of cotton has not changed: on average, “white gold” is grown in the area of a little more than 100 thousand hectares. But it is interesting that the number of cotton -set areas decreases every year. If in 2019 the cotton was sown in the 21st area, then this year this number was reduced to 16. What is the reason? Climate, lack of water or a decrease in the interest of farmers in raising cotton?