The cultivation of fine-staple cotton and the raising of Karakul sheep, horses, and camels contribute most to the agricultural economy. The Karakul breed accounts for seventh-tenths of all sheep in the republic. There are several prized varieties of Karakul pelts: the glistening black arabi, the golden sur, and the silver-gray shirazi. The Akhal Teke and Yomut breeds of horses deserve their fame as handsome, fleet animals with great endurance. Arabian dromedary (one-humped) camels are indispensable in desert areas for transporting sheepherders, for drawing water from deep desert wells, and as a source of wool, milk, and meat.
Turkmencotton prepares 36 ginning factories and 159 points in anticipation of cotton harvest campaign, Trend reports.
As in previous years in the current planting season, particular attention was paid to the soil and climatic characteristics of each region
Government association Turkmenobahyzmat is planning to conclude a contract for the purchase of spare parts, wheels, lubricants and consumable resources for cotton harvesters of American brand John Deere and Case.
The delivery will be ensured by IP Consult (International) Ltd.
The President Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov signed a corresponding decree in order to further improve the efficiency of agricultural producers to grow high yields, ensure smooth operation and high cotton harvesters during the cotton harvest in 2012.
Turkmenistan traditionally buys agricultural machinery from the U.S., Germany and Belarus. The Turkmen leader has recently ordered to explore the purchase of the machinery of manufacturers that is most suitable for the soil and climatic conditions of the country.
At this stage prophylactic measures are held at 36 ginning factories and 159 points in anticipation of cotton harvest campaign which is usually carried out from August to October. Last year it was held also in November.
This year, it is planned to collect 1.109 million tons of raw cotton from 550,000 hectares. As in previous years in the current planting season which started about a month ago, particular attention was paid to the soil and climatic characteristics of each region.
The current campaign involves about 7000 tractors, 2200 sowing machines, about 5000 cotton cultivators and other machinery. Equipment is purchased mainly from the United States and Belarus.
In 2011 Turkmenistan grew about 1.1 million tons of raw cotton. Traditionally, the country exports it to China, Russia, Britain, South Korea, Turkey, Iran, Indonesia, Singapore, Ukraine and the Baltic countries.
There are 36 cotton mills under the Turkmenpagta state concern. Raw cotton is grown in five provinces (regions) of the country: Akhal, Mary, Lebap, Dashoguz and Balkan. Harvesting is usually carried out from August to October, last year it was held also in November
