A meeting was held on the theme of "Results of 2020 and upcoming tasks in 2021 related to the development of Cotton-growing

Online meeting was held on the theme of "Results of 2020 and upcoming tasks in 2021 related to the development of cotton-growing” organized by the Ministry of Agriculture, on January 19. Minister of Agriculture, Inam Karimov, General Director of Azerbaijan Industrial Corporation OJSC, Kamran Nabizade, Deputy Chairman of Azerbaijan Melioration and Water Management OJSC, Zakir Guliyev, employees of the Ministry's Apparatus and subordinate bodies, representatives of companies operating in this field and farmers participated in the meeting.

At the event it was noted that the development of the agricultural sector was declared as one of the priority directions by the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Mr. Ilham Aliyev. It was reported that cotton-growing like all other sectors of the agricultural sector has entered a new stage of development. In recent years, tasks given by the Head of State, results obtained in the "State Program concerning the development of cotton-growing in the Republic of Azerbaijan for 2017-2022" gave their own results.

As a result of implemented measures, in 2020, more than 41,000 tons of cotton were produced and reached 336,000 tons comparing with 2019. Productivity increased by 14% compared to 2019 and amounted to 33.6 c/ha.

Preparations for cotton production, upcoming tasks, the development of cotton-growing and goals were discussed in the meeting this year. It was emphasized that a comprehensive action plan has been prepared for the timely implementation of cotton plantings, implementation of technical support issues and covering the entire production process in the current year.  

It was mentioned that increasing productivity in cotton growing is an important task. Today the main goal is to increase productivity through the use of intensive technologies in the cultivation of cotton. At the same time, land and water resources must be used efficiently for high productivity, and crop rotation must be introduced. The importance of timely and correct implementation of agro-technical measures, agrochemical analysis of land areas, proper use of mineral fertilizers, timely implementation of measures against pests were stressed.

The sides exchanged views on agreements signed for cotton plantings of 2021, the situation of ploughing, technique, fertilizer, seed, medicine and water supply, and the provision of subsidies at the event.

It was noted that the meetings would be continued in this format and relevant instructions were given for the operative solution of the issues raised at the end of the discussions.