BAKU, Azerbaijan, Nov. 16
By Fidan Babayeva – Trend:
Cotton growing has become the most profitable sector of agriculture in Azerbaijan in 2020 thanks to the state support mechanisms which are being implemented in the country, Trend reports with reference to the Azerbaijani Ministry of Agriculture.
Some 295,000 tons of cotton were harvested in the fields in 2019 while this year farmers supplied over 300,000 tons of cotton to the cotton processing centers.
Azerbaijani farmers have achieved high productivity indicators in cotton growing up till now, the ministry said.
"The average cotton yield exceeded 30 centners in 2020, which is one of the highest indicators in the history of cotton growing in Azerbaijan,” the ministry said. “Presently, cotton is being harvested in the fields. A further increase in both the volume of the harvest and the average yield are expected at the end of the season. Cotton is planned to be fully harvested."
Cotton was planted in 21 Azerbaijani districts on an area of about 100,000 hectares in 2020, the ministry said.
The development of cotton growing in Azerbaijan is supported by the state.
In accordance with the new subsidy mechanism, cotton farmers receive the crop subsidies. A farmer is provided with a subsidy in the amount of 220 manat ($129) per each hectare of cotton field. The grown products, depending on quality, are purchased at 550-650 manat ($323-382) per ton.
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