Continuous government support of the Syrian cotton sector has enhanced local productivity significantly in recent years. Average per hectare cotton productivity jumped from 625 kilograms in 1970, to 4,200 kilograms in 2000/2001, according to Al-Bayan daily.
Cotton is considered one of Syria’s most important strategic crops. Several industries, including textiles, clothing and vegetable oils are all dependent on cotton crops.
Head of the Syrian cotton production office, Farid Khoury, stated that Syria currently holds the tenth place amongst worldwide cotton producing nations in terms of annual average production. Khoury added that Syria is second worldwide in terms of local per hectare productivity.
Syrian cotton, which is harvested by hand rather than mechanically, is known for its relatively high quality. ― (MENA Report)
© 2001 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
