A number of challenges hindering the development of cotton production in Azerbaijan have been identified, according to Zeynal Naghdaliyev, Assistant to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan and Head of the Department for Territorial and Organizational Issues of the Presidential Administration, Report informs.
Speaking at a meeting on cotton development in Sabirabad, held within discussions of the State Program for the Development of Agricultural, Fisheries, and Aquaculture Production and Processing for 2026–2030, Naghdaliyev listed irrigation issues, outdated agricultural machinery, limited access to financial resources, low purchase prices for raw cotton, quality concerns, insufficient human capital, shortcomings in seed production, and land and infrastructure constraints as the main obstacles.
"Improving productivity in cotton farming, protecting farmers' incomes, ensuring financial stability of companies, and strengthening the raw material base of the processing industry require coordinated action by state bodies, active involvement of local executive authorities, and a responsible approach from the private sector," Naghdaliyev emphasized.
He highlighted the importance of efficient use of water and land resources, expanding modern irrigation systems, improving on-farm irrigation networks, and raising awareness about rational water use.
Naghdaliyev stressed that local executive authorities play a crucial role in supporting entrepreneurship and processing enterprises, assisting producers, coordinating cooperation between farmers and companies, and addressing infrastructure issues such as cleaning irrigation canals, developing irrigation networks, and repairing farm roads.