Azerbaijan, in the Caucasian region of Central Asia was a strong cotton producing country but over the past 18 years, production decreased by over six times. The land volume used for cotton fell by nine times. There was a time when Azerbaijan produced nearly a million tons of cotton.

The decrease in cotton production was a result of falling cotton prices in global markets and low profit margins. Moreover, increasing use of artificial materials worldwide has negatively affected cotton-growing sector. The practice of sharing crops replaced cotton with wheat.

Last year, the country produced 41,000 tons of cotton while 15 years ago production was almost 91,500 tons rising to 5,42,900 tons yielded in 1990. Peak cotton production was in 1981 with 8,31,200 tons. However, yields have increased with the use of more productive technologies and varieties. To reduce the cost of production, companies engaged in cotton production in the country have begun to use new harvesting technologies.

With the introduction of productive varieties, the decline in production has been lower than reduction in acreage. New technologies, minerals, and varieties can lower the cost of cotton production. That is when Azerbaijani cotton can be competitive globally.