AZ
RU
On October 24, 2024, the Minister of Agriculture of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Məcnun Məmmədov, visited cotton fields in the city of Yevlakh and met with farmers.
In the village of Aran, Yevlakh, the Minister observed the cotton harvesting process using combines in the fields of farmers who have contracts with "MKT İK LLC, He emphasized the development of the cotton industry, state support measures, and the steps taken to meet farmers' needs to achieve high productivity, and he listened to the farmers' suggestions and concerns.
The Minister then visited the Yevlakh Innovation Farm of MKT İK LLC to inspect cotton fields cultivated with a modern pivot irrigation system.
Rovshan Mahmudov, Chairman of the Board of "MKT Production and Commercial" LLC, provided the Minister with detailed information about the current activities, modern technologies, and innovative approaches being implemented. The laser land leveling process applied by MKT İK LLC attracted particular attention from the Minister. This method, now being implemented not only in innovation farms but also on the fields of cooperating farmers, helps to optimize irrigation and enhances productivity. The Minister praised these efforts and instructed that farmers receive more information about laser land leveling.
The Minister was also shown variety trial plots, where it was emphasized that in today’s global market, cotton quality is prioritized over quantity. The importance of traceability from cotton cultivation through every step of the production chain was highlighted, with MKT İK LLC's efforts to ensure the accessibility of information on the cotton’s origin and location of growth at any production stage being discussed.
During the visit, a presentation was held on the activities of "GP Cotton Holdings," a company engaged in cotton and textile production in Azerbaijan. John Young Simpson, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of "GP Cotton Holdings," highlighted that "Giltex" LLC, a subsidiary of the holding, has received the internationally recognized "Amfori BSCI" certification, accepted by global brands. It was noted that "Giltex" LLC uses high-quality local cotton and yarn primarily cultivated by MKT İK LLC LLC in its spinning, textile, dyeing, garment, and medical mask production facilities. During the presentation, the Minister was shown T-shirts produced for volunteers during COP 29 events as part of this production chain.
Additionally, the Minister was informed that MKT İK LLC is also working toward membership in the Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) to achieve greater success in the global market and promote Azerbaijani cotton worldwide.