Afghanistan produces 159,000MT of cotton this year: NSIA

KABUL (Pajhwok): About 159,000 metric tonnes of cotton has been produced in the country in 1403 solar year, showing a 30 percent surge, the National Statistics and Information Authority (NSIA) said on Monday.

In a statement, NSIA wrote the authority conducted a cotton survey for first time in 15 provinces of the country this year.

Totally, 159,000 metric tonnes of cotton was produced this year, showing a 30 percent increase compared to last year’s harvest, the statement added.

It said Helmand, with a production of 80,000 metric tons, Balkh with more than 34,000 metric tons, Kandahar with over 11,000 metric tons, Jawzjan with nearly 11,000 metric tons, and Nangarhar with above 5,000 metric tons of cotton are among the provinces that produced the most cotton.

According to NSIA, based on interpretation of satellite images, cotton was cultivated in 17 provinces this year, 12 percent up than last year.

NSIA explained Helmand has the largest area under cotton cultivation with 50,000 hectares and Kapisa has the smallest area with 66 hectares.

Last year, $273 million worth of cotton and cottonseed was exported abroad.

hz/ma