Tajikistan had harvested more than 206,000 tons of cotton as of October 17, fulfilling over 52% of its 2026 target of 394,700 tons, according to the Ministry of Agriculture.
Cotton is being cultivated on 164,800 hectares across the country this year. Around 106,000 people have been mobilized for the harvest, and 54 cotton-picking machines have been prepared for use.
However, harvesting is progressing more slowly than last year, with unfavorable weather conditions cited as the main reason.
Shohrukh Jumazoda, Deputy Head of the Crop Production Department at the Ministry of Agriculture, told the government newspaper Jumhuriyat that cotton sowing took place about 20 days later than usual, in early April. The harvest began on August 24.
In 2025, Tajikistan produced more than 382,000 tons of cotton.
Cotton prices and production costs
Agricultural producers say cotton-processing enterprises are purchasing raw cotton for 5–5.2 somoni per kilogram.
Meanwhile, specialists estimate that producing one kilogram of cotton costs approximately 13.8 somoni at a yield of 24 centners per hectare (2.4 tons).
High prices for mineral fertilizers and declining purchase prices were also discussed at the Ministry of Agriculture’s summer press conference.
A ministry representative said the ministry cannot independently reduce fertilizer and fuel prices. Instead, it sees increasing yields as the main way to improve the profitability of cotton farming.
New technologies to boost yields
Tajikistan’s State Program for the Innovative Development of Cotton Growing for 2024–2030 provides for the introduction of modern cultivation technologies and support for agricultural producers.
According to information presented at the ministry’s press conference, new cotton-growing methods were applied on 21,000 hectares in 2025, where average yields reached 40 centners per hectare (4 tons).
In 2026, the area planted with cotton using film-based cultivation methods increased to 40,200 hectares. Both conventional and drip irrigation systems are being used.
To support the adoption of these technologies, 100 specialized seed drills were purchased through the state enterprise Tajikagrolizing and transferred to farms.
The ministry expects modern cultivation methods to increase yields, lower production costs and improve farmers’ incomes.