Cotton sowing area declines in Kyrgyzstan's Osh

08 Nov '13

2 min read

The area planted for cotton in the city of Osh, in Kyrgyzstan’s Fergana Valley, has seen a decline of more than 4.3 million hectares during the harvest period of 2013.

According to the regional government of Osh, due to the low prices of cotton which prevailed last year, the cotton growers in the area have expressed not to grow the crop, reports Akipress News Agency.

In 2012, cotton growers from the region sold the crop for 35 to 45 soms per kilo, and the low prices during last year has impacted the cotton sowing area for the harvest period of 2013.

The production of cotton, so far in the region, has also declined by 2,400 tons compared to the same period last year.

The cotton sowing area has declined by 2,000 hectares in the Aravan cotton fields, and has plunged by 2.3 million hectares in the cotton fields of Kara-Suu district.

In this regard, Sooronbai Jeenbekov, plenipotentiary of the government of Osh region of Kyrgyzstan, said cotton is the cash crop of the region and the development of this industry has a direct impact on the economic growth of the region.

Mr. Jeenbekov has urged the agrarian authorities and heads of cotton growers in the region to monitor the cultivation of the crop, as well as take specific measures to ensure proper harvest for the current season.

As of now, Kyrgyzstan produces around 100,000 tons of cotton annually, of which 25,000 tons of cotton is processed and exported.

Fibre2fashion News Desk - India

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