A sharp decline in cotton production is being observed in Tajikistan. For example, while in 2022 this figure reached 404.7 thousand tons, in 2024 it fell to 253.2 thousand tons. These data were presented at a meeting at the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade devoted to the cotton sector, the ministry’s press service reports.
First Deputy Head of the Ministry of Economic Development Ashurboy Solehzoda emphasized that cotton growing and processing raw materials into finished products in the republic are among the government’s priority areas. However, an analysis carried out by experts indicates a decline in industry indicators.
Thus, over the past three years, a reduction in cotton fiber production has been recorded — from 127.1 thousand tons to 106.9 thousand tons.
Exports of “white gold,” which are seasonal in nature, amounted last year to 100.5 thousand tons or $170.1 million in value terms, which is 8.8 thousand tons or $28.5 million less than the corresponding indicators of 2023. However, as the official noted, compared to the previous reporting year, the average price of cotton fell by $125 per ton, to $1,692.
Iran has become the main buyer of Tajik cotton, accounting for 67.9% of export contracts. It is followed by Turkey — 15%, China — 8.4%, Russia — 4.4%, and Pakistan — 3%.
The ministry explained the current situation by problems that persist from year to year. These include failure to meet the raw cotton production plan, high electricity tariffs and the absence of seasonal tariffs for industry enterprises, limited access of farms to concessional loans, as well as a shortage of highly qualified specialists at textile factories.
It was noted that to remedy the situation the government of the republic implemented a number of measures, but they proved to be of limited effectiveness. In this connection, the Ministry of Industry and New Technologies has developed its own action program aimed at increasing the production and processing of cotton fiber. In particular, sectoral agencies are being urged to intensify joint efforts to remove administrative and artificial barriers for entrepreneurs.
In Soviet times, the Tajik SSR posted record cotton figures. For example, according to academician Nuriddin Kayumov, in 1981 the volume of “white gold” production in the republic exceeded 1 million tons. However, more than 10 years ago the scholar said that such results should no longer be expected, since the sector needs fundamental reform, including the purchase of modern agricultural machinery, mineral fertilizers, and higher wages for pickers.
