In an economy which is the 82nd largest in the world, cotton is crucial for Uzbekistan. But its production has declined over the years. Cotton production peaked in 1988 to 8,000 bales and as of 2012 is around 4500 bales (1 million tons). This downward trend is attributed to the precedence given to food crops, an essential requirement.
How much cotton does Uzbekistan produce a year?
It is Uzbekistan ‘s main cash crop, accounting for 17% of its exports in 2006. With annual cotton production of about 1 million ton of fiber (4¨C5% of world production) and exports of 700,000-800,000 tons (10% of world exports), Uzbekistan is the 8th largest producer and the 11th largest exporter of cotton in the world.
Where did cotton seed oil come from?
The Cotton seed oil dominated in the world market till second world war and also in the United states of America. China, India, USA, Pakistan and Uzbekistan are the largest producers of cotton seeds and cotton seed oil. Turkey, Brazil and Egypt also started growing cotton and becoming exporters of cotton seed oil.
What happened to Uzbekistan’s cotton industry?
Many of them were forced to work in the cotton fields, receiving little or no pay. In an economy which is the 82nd largest in the world, cotton is crucial for Uzbekistan. But its production has declined over the years. Cotton production peaked in 1988 to 8,000 bales and as of 2012 is around 4500 bales (1 million tons).