central asia

Central Asian long staple cotton is produced in the countries of Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan. More than 50% of the Central Asian long staple production originates in Turkmenistan, where it is grown mainly in the southern regions of Ahal and Mary. Due to the continental climate with little precipitation, Central Asian long staple cotton is fully irrigated, like Californian Pima or Egyptian cotton. It is 100% handpicked. After picking, the seed-cotton is processed in roller gins to separate the seeds from the fiber. The quality is determined by local standards of each republic. The qualities produced are primarily grade 1 with a staple length of 1.3/8” to 1.7/16” and a strength of 33-37 gpt (HVI). The micronaire readings of Central Asian long staple cotton average from 3.6 to 4.3.