High-yield cotton varieties and pilot model urged

Introducing early-maturing and higher-yielding cotton varieties is essential to boosting productivity across Azerbaijan's cotton sector, according to Afras Asgarov, head of the Sabirabad branch of Azerpambig OJSC, speaking during parliamentary discussions on the draft law "On the Agrarian Sector."

Asgarov proposed launching a state-backed pilot mechanism enabling independent farmers to cultivate cotton without contracting intermediaries, receive designated state subsidies, process raw cotton at tolling facilities under sovereign guarantees, and sell fiber and seeds directly to domestic or international buyers.

Emphasizing that state backing is crucial to mitigate counterparty and payment risks with ginning mills, Asgarov also highlighted concerns regarding pesticide quality and dosing irregularities, calling for an expert review commission to investigate chemicals driving up farmer costs.

Gulnar Nazimgizi