Uzbek Cotton Sown on Time

WASHINGTON - May 13/06 - SNS -- Favorable spring seeding conditions allowed cotton producers in Uzbekistan to get their crops in the ground during the optimal seeding period, reports the U.S. agricultural attache for the country.

The Uzbek government's target for seed cotton production remains unchanged at 3.6 million metric tons (MT), and lint cotton production is estimated to reach almost the same levels as last year. Uzbek cotton exports are expected to decrease slightly from 880,000 to 850,000 MT with China and Russia remaining the traditional markets for Uzbek cotton.

Most observers agree it is becoming increasingly difficult to attain state targets due to poor seed quality, poor farming practices, the absence of production incentives, as well as frequent water shortages. Nonetheless, the Government of Uzbekistan is expected to maintain cotton area.

The government of Uzbekistan still maintains tight control over all aspects of cotton production including plant area, setting up production targets, prices, inputs, procurement and marketing the majority of the cotton in Uzbekistan.

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