Because Cotton is a valuable money crop, Azerbaijan has recently set course on restoring its traditional industry of cotton cultivation and now the state is providing huge support to this industry. From 1970 to 1980, cotton production was of crucial importance for Azerbaijan’s economy accounting for approximately 25 per cent of agricultural revenue. At that time, the country harvested a million tons of cotton per year.

Until 2016, cotton production remained insignificant. But the measures taken last year permitted increasing sown area of cotton to 51.400 hectares and its production shot up to 89.4000 tons. In 2017, the sown area reached 136,000 hectares, and production is planned to touch around 2,60,000 to 2,70,000 tons.

The state program for 2017 to 2022 will further strengthen measures directed at developing this industry. The purpose of the program is to develop cotton growing in Azerbaijan, increase export potential in this sphere, ensure employment of their rural population and increase the production of cotton to 5,00,000 tons in 2022.

If in 2015, some 35,000 tons of cotton were procured, then last year this figure touched about 90,000 tons. If last year cotton was grown on 51,000 hectares, then this year it is grown on 1,36,000 hectares. President Aliyev disclosed that cotton was grown in 20+ regions of the country. Cotton is the most widely used fiber in the world today comprising half of all fiber production. Around 90 countries worldwide grow cotton which is used to make clothes and other textiles worldwide with a large portion of the rest comes from synthetic products.