The Start of Cotton Sowing in Our Country

27.03.2025

On March 26, an important agricultural campaign – the sowing of cotton – commenced across the country. In accordance with the directive of the head of state, farmers in the Ahal, Balkan, Dashoguz, Lebap, and Mary velayats began the sowing season. During the Cabinet of Ministers meeting held via a digital system on March 20, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov gave his blessing for the nationwide cotton sowing campaign to begin on March 26. He addressed the honorable elders, requesting them to launch the campaign with the words "Bismillah" and wished the brave cotton growers and agricultural workers great success in their work. Following the cherished national tradition, the respected elders offered prayers to the Almighty for the prosperity of the homeland, the Turkmen people, and the head of state. They then cast the first cotton seeds into the soil before stepping aside for mechanized farming operations to begin. As is well known, cotton cultivation is one of the priority sectors of the country's agro-industrial complex. The development of cotton farming has been transitioned to modern management methods, with the introduction of advanced innovations and economic incentives for agricultural producers. Effective measures have been implemented to improve farming culture, employing scientifically grounded cotton cultivation techniques tailored to the soil and climatic conditions of each velayat, as well as enhancing the reclamation of agricultural lands. Simultaneously, efforts have been intensified in the field of cotton breeding, creating new region-specific varieties distinguished by early maturity, high yield, and superior fiber quality. Special attention is given at cotton-processing enterprises to the procurement of high-quality seed material, which is a key factor in increasing the production volumes of "white gold." Cotton remains a valuable export commodity for Turkmenistan and serves as the primary raw material for the textile industry, whose products are in demand worldwide and have become a recognized national brand. This year's sowing campaign involves tractors of various brands, including those equipped with a telematic digital electronic system, procured from the world’s leading agricultural machinery manufacturer, John Deere. Additionally, planters, cotton cultivators, and other farming equipment are in use to ensure the seamless execution of sowing operations and subsequent agricultural activities. Necessary conditions have been established on-site for round-the-clock maintenance of machinery, as well as for the work and rest of mechanized operators and other participants in the sowing process. Biolaboratories operating in the districts and farmers' associations are preparing for the new agricultural season. These laboratories will supply farmers with environmentally friendly and economically beneficial bioproducts used to combat cotton pests. In preparation for the sowing campaign, various farmers' associations across the velayats hosted seminars dedicated to the ongoing modernization of rural areas. These events aim to foster the dynamic development and high profitability of the agro-industrial sector, increasing agricultural production volumes. During the discussions, attendees expressed deep gratitude to President Serdar Berdimuhamedov for his support of agriculture and his active efforts to improve the working and living conditions of the country’s farmers. They assured that they would apply all their skills, knowledge, and experience to successfully implement the agricultural sector reforms. As part of the celebrations marking the start of the sowing campaign, exhibitions of agricultural machinery and products from processing enterprises were organized. Musical and folklore dance ensembles from the velayats prepared creative performances for the cotton farmers. Source: State News Agency of Turkmenistan