In the Aravan district of the Osh region, there has been a significant increase in cotton yields achieved through drip irrigation. This has been made possible by the implementation of the "3+2+1" project initiated by the Ministry of Water Resources, Agriculture, and Processing Industry.
According to the information from the ministry, the introduction of drip irrigation has contributed to a doubling of yields: from 35-40 centners per hectare to 60-65 centners.
In the past three years, Chinese cotton varieties known for their high yields and drought resistance have been actively used in the region. To optimize water use and enhance irrigation efficiency, modern drip systems have been installed.
By the 2025 season, eight varieties of cotton were imported from the Chinese company "Huntai." After laboratory analyses, three varieties: "Huntai-6636," "Huntai-73," and "Huntai-T115" were approved for planting.
These varieties were sown on 200 hectares in the Aravan and Kara-Suu districts and are currently undergoing production trials. At the moment, the harvest process is actively underway in the region.
According to the ministry, modern machinery is being used for cotton harvesting for the first time this year. Previously, manual labor took up to three days per hectare, whereas with the use of combines, this process now takes only one hour.
One combine can harvest up to 17 tons of cotton per hour, significantly increasing efficiency and reducing labor costs.
According to experts, the combination of new varieties, rational water use, and mechanization of the harvesting process has contributed not only to increased yields but also to the economic efficiency of cotton production in the southern regions of Kyrgyzstan.
