The field visit held at the trial plots was attended by the Chairman of the Azerbaijan Cotton Producers Association (APIA), Farid Firidunov, APIA’s Project Coordinator Javid Shahmuradov, the institute’s research agronomist Aykhan Vakilzada, and independent auditor Kadir Tashdelen. The main purpose of the event was to evaluate the process of implementing BCI standards in cotton production and discuss the conditions for our country's membership in this international initiative.
During the field visit, the work carried out on cotton cultivation in the experimental areas, agricultural technologies, and measures related to environmental protection were carefully examined. At the same time, measures to be taken for the adaptation of BCI standards to local conditions and the sustainable development of cotton production were discussed.
The participants of the meeting emphasized the importance of aligning the cotton sector with international standards, noting that Azerbaijan’s membership in the Better Cotton Initiative is a vital step toward improving quality in cotton production and ensuring environmental sustainability. As a result of the discussions, several proposals for more effective cooperation and information exchange were put forward, and strategies planned for implementation were identified.