Tajikistan fulfills 2011 national cotton target

DUSHANBE, October 17, 2017 Asia-Plus -- The country’s cotton growers have fulfilled their targets by the end of this week, according to the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA).

The source at a MoA says the country has yielded more than 391 tons of cotton by October 16, which comprises 100.3 percent of this year's target that has been determined at 390,000 tons of cotton.

Many cotton producing districts are continuing to gather cotton in addition to their obligations.  The MoA specialists are sure that Tajik cotton growers can yield more than 420,000 tons of cotton this year.

Last year, Tajikistan yielded 310,513 tons of raw cotton from 160,400 hectares, which was 10,500 tons more than it was originally planned and 3.2 percent (13,500 tons) more than in 2009.

Cotton makes an important contribution to both the agricultural sector and the national economy.  Cotton accounts for 60 percent of agricultural output, supports 75 percent of the rural population, and uses 45 percent of irrigated arable land.  At the national level, it is an important source of both export earnings and tax revenue.  Cotton fiber accounts for some 15 percent of Tajikistan’s exports.  Tajikistan is reportedly the world’s fourth largest exporter of cotton, and there is strong demand on international markets for its high quality product.