In early November, the Government announced the new purchasing prices for the 2019 wheat crop, which was set at TMT 800 (USD 222) per tonne. The price was increased by 100 percent from its level a year earlier with the aim to boost domestic production and ensure remunerative prices to farmers. Planting of the 2019 winter wheat crop was completed in late October and prospects are overall favourable. In general, the Government subsidizes production costs incurred by farmers, who also have access to preferential loans for the purchase of agriculture equipment. Purchasing prices of cotton were also increased.