Chinese agricultural expertise and technology are helping Uzbekistan's cotton growers increase yields while using significantly less water, with cooperation extending from drip irrigation to agricultural machinery assembly.
In southern Uzbekistan, farmers have turned to Chinese drip-irrigation technology to make water use more efficient in the region where every drop matters for water-demanding cotton.
"We expect to yield up to nine tonnes of cotton per hectare. Our cotton is developing well. As you can see, around 50 percent of the cotton has already opened. I have been working with this drip irrigation system for two years. The water savings from using this system are very significant," said Shodiyor Minurkulov, a cotton farmer.
Water mixed with fertilizer is pumped through drip lines directly to the plants, reducing water losses and allowing farmers to control precisely how much water and nutrition their cotton receives.
Chinese technology extends beyond the fields. In Karshi, tractors, cotton planters and combine harvesters are lined up in a new assembly facility expected to begin production in two months.
"Our company has been deeply rooted in China for many years and is well received by a wide range of users. So we are bringing our most advanced technology to participate in Uzbekistan's agricultural modernization drive. We aim to support local agricultural development with our latest technology," said Wang Shijie, factory manager at agricultural machinery company FM World.
Chinese expertise, technology boost Uzbekistan's cotton industry
