KHUJAND, April 27, 2009, Asia-Plus  -- To add to bad weather conditions that has hit northern Tajikistan in recent days, acute finance shortages have affected the cotton-sowing campaign in the province, according to the Sughd agriculture directorate.

Recent torrential rain has affected practically all the cotton-growing districts in Sughd.  The worst hit areas are Mastchoh and Zafarobod district.  According to specialists, farmers will have to re-sow cotton on some 2,500 hectares.

On the finance shortage, the Sughd cotton-growing farms are currently experiencing, the source at the Sughd agriculture directorate said that the province had not yet received a 63 million somoni government credit.