Cost Effectiveness of Growing Cotton Depending on Irrigation Source and Groundwater Salinity in the Ferghana Valley, Uzbekistan
Abstract
Given article describes the current status of irrigated agriculture in the Ferghana province, Republic of Uzbekistan. Climatic, hydrogeological, and soil conditions and hydromodule zoning of the Water User Association (WUA) Oktepa Zilol were studied, and, on this basis, the farms growing cotton were selected. Variable and fixed costs and profitability of cotton-growing farms were analyzed. Based on the books of those farms, the crop budget was drawn up. Relationships between the profitability of cotton-growing farm and the irrigation sources used and soil fertility in the farm are explained. Finally, proposals for improvement of cotton production using various sources of irrigation under different degrees of groundwater salinity are provided.