Cotton Cultivation: Essential Tips for a High Yield

Key Highlights

• Sow Desi cotton in sandy areas in early April for a better yield.

• Use only certified BT cotton seeds from authorized sellers.

• Test the soil before sowing to determine nutrient needs.

• Avoid misleading seed labels like 3G, 4G, or 5G.

• Destroy old cotton plant residues to control pink bollworm.

Cotton farming is widely practiced in India, particularly in states like Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana. In Madhya Pradesh, around 75% of the state's cotton comes from the Nimar region, with other districts like Dhar, Jhabua, Dewas, and Chhindwara also contributing. The ideal sowing period is between April and May, although it varies depending on the cotton variety and regional conditions. Many farmers begin sowing after the Rabi season ends. To ensure a successful harvest, experts from Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar,have issued important guidelines for cotton cultivation in the Kharif season.

Also Read: Govt Generates 4.85 Crore Farmer IDs, Digital Crop Survey to Begin in Kharif 2025

Sowing Cotton in Sandy Areas

Experts recommend sowing Desi cotton in sandy areas during the first half of April. Farmers opting for BT cotton should plant two rows of green gram alongside two rows of cotton for better results. Drip irrigation is a beneficial method for sandy regions, ensuring proper water supply. Where water quality is poor, creating raised beds for sowing is advisable. Farmers should use only certified seeds recommended by agricultural authorities, available through district agriculture departments, Krishi Vigyan Kendras, or university websites.

Precautions When Buying BT Cotton Seeds

Farmers must purchase BT cotton seeds only from certified sellers or authorized institutions. It is essential to collect a proper purchase bill, as it can help in case of any seed-related issues. Currently, there are no BT cotton seeds resistant to pink bollworm, so farmers should be cautious of misleading claims about 3G, 4G, or 5G variants and avoid such seeds.

Also Read: Desi Gaupalan Protsahan Yojana: Get Up to 75% Subsidy on Indigenous Cow Rearing

Soil Testing Before Sowing

Before planting cotton, farmers should get their soil tested to determine nutrient deficiencies. Based on the test results, they can apply the required fertilizers and manure in the recommended quantities. The ideal soil for cotton farming has good water retention capacity, with a pH range of 6 to 7.5.

Managing Pink Bollworm Infestation

To control pink bollworm, farmers should destroy cotton plant residues from the previous year, as these may harbor pests. This task should be completed by the end of March to prevent infestation. Stored BT cotton sticks should be handled carefully, as the pest often resides in them. Farmers with stored cotton sticks or nearby ginning mills must be extra cautious, as these areas are more prone to infestations. The university provides scientific recommendations for pest control every 15 days, and farmers should follow these guidelines for effective management.

Also Read: Madhya Pradesh Announces 93% Subsidy on Agricultural Pump Connections

CMV360 Says

By following these agricultural practices and expert recommendations, farmers can maximize their cotton yield and ensure a profitable harvest. Proper soil testing, certified seeds, and pest control methods are key to successful cotton farming, leading to higher productivity and better-quality cotton.