QURGHON TEPPA, July 28, 2008, Asia-Plus  -- Cotton fields in Khatlon’s districts of Panj, Qumsangir, Farkhor, Rumi and Hamadoni have been affected by pests, according to the Khatlon agriculture directorate.  

Speaking to reporters, Khujamurod Fazliddinov, chairman of the Hamadoni, district noted that 5,1000 hectares of cotton fields in the district had been affected by pests.  To combat pests farmers have spent funds at a rate of US$180-US$200 per on hectare, according to him.  

The Farkhor head Sharif Gafforov said that chemical treatment of fields conducted by farmers had yielded good results.  

According to the Khatlon agriculture directorate, the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) has provided 4,500 tons of pesticides to combat pests.