DUSHANBE, October 25, Asia-Plus — Agriculture and Environmental Protection Minister Abdurahmon Qodiri told journalists in Dushanbe on October 25 that Tajikistan has restored breed production of cotton seeds and thee quarantine labs have been set up in Qubodiyon (Khatlon), Spitamen (Sughd) and Tursunzoda (districts subordinate to the center).
“13 species of cotton seeds we had brought from six foreign countries were planted in the mentioned districts and new cotton growths were presented in August already,” the minister said, “The results have exceeded all expectations; separate species brought from Australia, the United States, Turkey and Brazil have provided yields at the rate of 5.0-5.8 tons per hectare.”
Cotton-fiber yield has amounted to 40-42.5 percent, while the cotton-fiber yield from the currently used seeds has not exceeded 30-32 percent, according to him.
Qodiri named shortage of agricultural machines and vehicles as one of the main problems facing Tajik agrarian sector.
“To improve the situation and provide farmers with agricultural machines we have established the State Unitary Enterprise Tojikagroleasing,” said Qodiri, “National budget is expected to provide 8 million somonis next year for this enterprise.”
He also expressed hope that other structures as well as leasing companies and tractor plants from CIS, Iran and China will also support this enterprise.
