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

Key Highlights

• Desi cotton sowing in April, BT cotton by mid-May.

• Use certified seeds like HD-123, HD-432.

• Maintain 100x45 cm or 67.5x60 cm row spacing.

• Apply Stomp herbicide after sowing to stop weeds.

• Treat seeds to prevent disease and boost growth.

Cotton is one of the most important crops grown in many states across India. As the sowing season begins, Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, has released important guidelines for farmers. These suggestions cover the best time to sow, how to prepare the field, control weeds, treat seeds, and more. Following these steps can help farmers increase their cotton yield while keeping costs low.

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

Best Time to Sow Cotton

Desi Cotton:

Farmers should complete the sowing of Desi Cotton in the month of April.

BT Cotton:

Sowing should be done by mid-May. Do not sow cotton in June.

Time of Day for Sowing:

Sow cotton only in the morning or evening to avoid the heat.

Sowing Direction:

Sow cotton in east to west rows to get better crop yield.

Palleva (Irrigation before Sowing):

Do a deep irrigation (Palleva) before sowing to ensure the soil is moist, which helps in good seed germination.

Row Spacing:

Maintain a row-to-row distance of 100 x 45 cm or 67.5 x 60 cm.

Weed Control in Cotton

To control weeds, spray Stomp herbicide at the rate of 2 liters per acre. This should be done immediately after sowing or before germination for best results.

Cotton Sowing with Drip Irrigation

For farmers using drip irrigation systems:

• Before Germination: Run the drip system for 10 to 15 minutes every morning and evening.

• After Germination: Run the drip system for 30 to 35 minutes every fourth day.

Recommended Fertilizers and Manure

Fertilizer application should be based on soil testing. However, general recommendations are:

BT Cotton (Per Acre):

• 1 bag of Urea

• 1 bag DAP

• 30–40 kg Potash

• 10 kg Zinc Sulphate (21%)

Desi Cotton (Per Acre):

• 15 kg Urea

• 10 kg Zinc Sulphate

Recommended Cotton Seed Varieties

For Desi Cotton: Use improved varieties like HD-123 and HD-432.
For BT Cotton: Always purchase certified seeds and collect a proper bill from the seller.

Also Read: Pusa's New Gram Variety "Ashwini" Promises High Yield and Huge Profits

Seed Quantity Per Acre

How to Treat Narma-Cotton Seeds

Why Seed treatment helps protect against diseases and increases yield.

Solution for Treatment (per 10 liters of water):

• 5 grams Emison

• 1 gram Streptomycin

• 1 gram Succinic

Soaking Time:

• Hairy Seeds: 6 to 8 hours

• Hairless Seeds: 2 hours

This treatment protects the crop from fungus and bacteria for 40–45 days after sowing.

Special Advice for Termite-Affected Areas

In areas where termites are a problem:

1. First, treat seeds with the recommended medicine.

2. Dry them in the shade.

3. Mix 10 ml of Chlorpyrifos 20 EC with 10 ml of water per kg of seeds and spray the seeds before sowing.

Final Advice to Farmers

• Always buy certified seeds and medicines.

• Get the soil tested before applying fertilizers.

• Follow proper seed treatment and irrigation practices.

• Stick to the advised sowing time and method.

By following these expert tips, farmers can grow a healthy cotton crop and enjoy better profits with reduced farming costs.

Also Read: 5-Day Weather Forecast: Heat to Rise in Plains, Rain Expected in Mountains

CMV360 Says

By following the expert advice on proper sowing time, seed treatment, irrigation, and fertilizer use, farmers can achieve better cotton yields at a lower cost. Using certified seeds, maintaining ideal row spacing, and controlling weeds and pests are key to successful cotton cultivation and long-term soil health.