cotton.az | Azərbaycan Pambıq İstehsalçıları Assosiasiyası

Cotton sector

Farmer and Farm Model

The cotton sector in Azerbaijan is based on the joint operation of various types of farming enterprises. According to 2024 data, there are 21,421 registered cotton farmers in the country. These farms are categorized into three groups based on their size:

  • Small farmers (≤20 ha): ~18,700 individuals (~87%). ~18,700 nəfər (~87%).
  • Medium-sized farms (20–200 ha): ~2,300 individuals (~11%). ~2,300 nəfər (~11%).
  • Large agribusinesses (>200 ha): ~421 farms (~2%). ~421 təsərrüfat (~2%).
Small Farmers

Small farmers mainly cooperate with cotton companies under contract farming schemes.Companies such as MKT, Azərpambıq, and P-Agro provide support with seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides, while purchasing the harvest at the end of the season. Although this model offers market security for farmers, challenges sometimes arise due to price stability and delays in payments.

Medium-sized farms apply a mixed cropping model, cultivating wheat, sunflower, and maize alongside cotton. This approach allows farmers to diversify their income. Medium-sized farms benefit from company support while maintaining partial independence.

Large farms usually operate under a fully mechanized, vertically integrated model by leasing state-owned land on a long-term basis. They achieve high productivity (3.5–4.5 t/ha) and play a leading role in both domestic and export markets.

There are around 35 registered cooperatives in the country. These associations provide collective services to farmers, including:

  • Sharing of equipment and resources
  • Access to credit and microfinance
  • Training and technical support
  • Market access opportunities

ACPA acts as the main national platform within this structure, advocating for the interests of farmers.

  • Increasing digital monitoring and training for small farmers
  • Expanding the market power of cooperatives
  • Simplifying access to mechanization
  • Promoting greater participation of women and youth in agriculture

What is Better Cotton?