16:35 - 2.07.2025

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July 2, Fineko/abc.az. Experimental sowing has been carried out in various districts of Azerbaijan to determine the suitability of seven new varieties of cotton imported from Pakistan.

ABC.AZ reports that the relevant statement was made by Nazaket Ismayilzade, representative of the projects between the Ministry of Agriculture and the International Atomic Energy Agency.

She pointed out that these varieties were planted in Sabirabad, Imishli, Samukh and other districts of the country and their behavior was monitored under local climatic and soil conditions.

According to the expert, Pakistani varieties, especially cotton variety "Super Cotton", differ in yield, fiber quality, water economy, resistance to diseases and pests, as well as the ability to adapt to dry conditions. This variety was analyzed in comparison with other varieties obtained with the participation of Turkish breeders, and its advantages were identified.

According to Ismayilzade, field seminars, visits of international experts to Azerbaijan and inspection of cultivated areas were organized within the project. In the future, it is planned to use this variety more widely.

In 2024, the sown area of cotton in Azerbaijan totaled 102,800 hectares. The acreage increased by 2.7% compared with 2019 and by 9.7% compared with 2023. Last year, crop yields in Yevlakh, Saatli, Bilasuvar, Neftchala, Beylagan and Imishli districts were above the national average. In 2022-2023, the purchase prices of processing enterprises per 1 kg of cotton ranged from 0.67 to 0.79 manats, and in 2024 - from 0.76 to 0.78 manats.

Last year, exports of cotton fiber grew by 70.8% against the previous year up to 118,500 tons, while exports of cotton yarn by 3.2% up to 11,500 tons. In 2024, 86% of exported cotton fiber accounted for Turkey, 8.9% for Turkmenistan, and 2.6% for Iran.