10 Important Tips for Sowing Cotton: Boost Yield with Scientific Methods

Key Highlights

• Cotton sowing is ideal between May 1 to May 20, depending on soil moisture.

• Use 450 grams of BT cotton seed per bigha for balanced plant growth.

• Maintain 108 cm row distance and 60 cm plant distance for better air and light.

• Apply 40 kg of urea per bigha in three stages for proper nutrition.

• Protect the crop from pink bollworm with a neem-based spray between 45-60 days.

Cotton cultivation plays a crucial role in Rajasthan's agriculture, especially during this season. Farmers are currently engaged in sowing cotton, and adopting scientific techniques along with traditional practices can significantly increase crop yield and quality. The Agriculture Department has shared key guidelines to help farmers achieve better results.

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Here are 10 important tips every cotton farmer should follow:

1. Right Time and Seed Quantity

BT cotton should ideally be sown between May 1 and May 20. However, sowing can also be done in the last week of May if soil moisture is available. Use 450 grams of seed per bigha to maintain a healthy plant population.

2. Maintain Proper Distance

Keep a row-to-row distance of 108 cm and a plant-to-plant distance of 60 cm. Alternatively, 67.5 cm x 90 cm spacing can also be used, depending on irrigation and field conditions. Proper spacing helps plants receive adequate sunlight, air, and nutrients.

3. Balanced Fertilizer Use

Apply 40 kg of urea per bigha in three splits, at sowing, first irrigation, and the flowering stage. For phosphorus, use 22 kg DAP or 62.5 kg Single Super Phosphate per bigha during sowing. Also, apply 15 kg MOP, with 60% at sowing, for potash.

Also Read: When and How to Sow Cotton: Expert Tips for Better Yield at Low Cost

4. Get Soil Tested

Soil testing before sowing helps identify nutrient deficiencies and enables proper fertilizer planning. This improves both crop yield and quality.

5. Address Zinc Deficiency

If soil reports show a zinc deficiency, apply 4–6 kg of 33% zinc sulfate per bigha. Zinc plays a vital role in plant growth and development.

6. Protect Against Pink Bollworm

Pink bollworm has become a serious threat to BT cotton. In 2024, its damage crossed 10% in several districts. Spray neem-based insecticides between 45 and 60 days of sowing. Collect and destroy half-open bolls to control the pest population.

Also Read: Cotton Cultivation: Essential Tips for a High Yield

7. Prepare the Field Properly

Do deep summer plowing to destroy soil-borne pests and their eggs. Also, remove all weeds from the field and nearby areas, as they host harmful insects and compete for nutrients.

8. Use Crop Rotation and Low-Height Varieties

Adopt crop rotation with pulses to improve soil health and break pest cycles. Prefer low-height, short-duration cotton varieties to reduce pest risk and achieve early harvest.

9. Timely Weed Control

Weeds should be removed within 20–25 days of sowing. They hinder crop growth in the early stages. Use herbicides cautiously and only with expert advice.

10. Avoid Forced Tagging with Inputs

Some companies are adding unwanted products like sulfur, herbicides, or pesticides to seed and fertilizer packets. This is against the rules. Farmers are advised to buy only genuine inputs and report any such forced tagging to the Agriculture Department.

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CMV360 Says

By following these 10 tips, farmers can ensure a healthy cotton crop with better yield and quality. Scientific sowing methods, pest control, balanced nutrition, and soil testing are essential steps towards profitable cotton farming.