Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev has reviewed the use of Xinjiang cotton-growing technology in fields operated by Qashqadaryo Jingu in Guzar District, Kashkadarya Region.
The technology is being used across a 2,200-hectare area and combines plastic-film mulching with drip irrigation to conserve water and fertilisers and accelerate crop maturation.
Cotton seeds are sown in paired rows beneath plastic film, with all irrigation carried out through a drip system.
The film helps retain heat and moisture in the soil, promoting early and uniform germination. Water and fertilisers are delivered directly to the plants’ roots.
According to the figures presented, the technology reduces water consumption by 30–40% and fertiliser use by nearly 30%. Cotton also matures 10–15 days earlier than under conventional cultivation methods.
During his visit, Mirziyoyev inspected the crop and the organisation of fieldwork. Traditional cultivation produces 30–35 centners of cotton per hectare, while the Xinjiang technology can raise yields to 60–70 centners per hectare. At Qashqadaryo Jingu, yields currently stand at 55 centners per hectare, with total production reaching 12,300 tonnes.
The enterprise also uses agricultural drones for field operations. Their deployment helps speed up certain farming activities and reduce fuel consumption.
Qashqadaryo Jingu is an agricultural cluster established with Chinese investment. Its operations cover 18,300 hectares across the districts of Kasansay, Nishan, Guzar, Kukdala and Mirishkor. A significant portion of the land previously consisted of undeveloped desert areas and abandoned plots.
The project has attracted US$128 million in investment and created 50 jobs. Its exports amount to US$8.5 million.
During the visit, the president was also briefed on agricultural activities across Kashkadarya Region.
