Minister of Agriculture Majnun Mammadov met with the leaders of the Azerbaijan Cotton Producers Association.
"Qafqazinfo" reports that the meeting was attended by the heads of relevant departments and structural units of the ministry.
At the meeting, Minister Majnun Mammadov stated that cotton growing is one of the agricultural sectors with strong traditions in our country. The development of this sector positively impacts farmers’ incomes and increases employment levels in the regions. As the most labor-intensive field of agriculture, cotton farming is also distinguished by its ability to generate high added value and its significant export potential. State support mechanisms are being implemented for the development of cotton growing, and thanks to these measures, interest in cultivation has increased. The minister noted that, as in other sectors, the Ministry supports the application of modern irrigation systems in cotton farming, and in the future, a differential subsidy mechanism may be applied for farmers who use these systems in cultivation.
Farid Firudinov, Chairman of the Board of the Azerbaijan Cotton Producers Association, stated that the main goal of the organization he leads is to promote the application of modern scientific-technical innovations and advanced technologies in order to increase the productivity and quality indicators of cotton produced in our country, thereby improving the welfare of sector participants. The Association, which unites the largest companies engaged in cotton procurement and processing in the country, strives to contribute to the development of the sector.
At the meeting, discussions were held on the current state of cotton production in the country, the latest agrotechnical measures implemented on the eve of the harvest, the organization of pest control, and the level of preparation of machinery for the harvesting process. Participants also exchanged views on the establishment of a procurement mechanism based on quality parameters, the development of the value chain, ensuring sustainability in farming households, membership in the Better Cotton Initiative, the quality of chemicals used in cotton production, the first types of yarn produced in the country, the creation of cotton varieties adapted to local conditions, and other important issues.
The proposals made at the meeting were recorded, and instructions were given to the relevant departments and structural units to evaluate the proposals.