Drought Hits Cotton Farmers in Akola; Losses of Up to 70% Feared
Cotton crops in Maharashtra's Akola district have been adversely affected by a prolonged dry spell and rising temperatures. While farmers earned well last season due to favorable market prices, drought conditions this year have heightened their concerns. Farmers estimate that cotton crops in some areas could suffer losses of up to 70%.
Last season, farmers received approximately ₹8,000 per quintal under the Cotton Corporation of India's (CCI) procurement price. Additionally, reports indicated that some farmers who held onto their stock until August fetched prices as high as ₹10,000 per quintal. Encouraged by these good returns, many farmers in the region had adopted the High-Density Planting System (HDPS), also known as the 'Akola Model'.
**Drought Affects Both Traditional and HDPS Farming**
Under normal conditions, traditional cotton farming yields about 8 quintals per acre, whereas HDPS claims to produce between 12 and 18 quintals per acre. However, the lack of rainfall for an extended period this season has impacted crops grown using both methods.
According to farmers, the cotton plants have failed to reach the expected height. Premature boll bursting and stunted plant growth have raised concerns regarding both total yield and fiber quality. Due to soil moisture deficiency, leaves, flowers, and small bolls are drying up and shedding.
Dilip Thakre, a cotton grower from Akola and an early adopter of HDPS, stated that the yield this year is expected to be only 2 to 4 quintals per acre. He noted that crop conditions are poor even in HDPS fields, although the higher plant density offers some hope for a slightly better yield compared to traditional methods. **Impact of Prolonged Dry Spell on Crops**
According to Dilip Thakre, the situation is particularly critical in the district's saline-soil region. He noted that there has been no rainfall in his area for approximately 70 days, adversely affecting the cotton crop.
Dr. Purushottam Madhukar Kale, a farmer from the Sangvi Bazar area, cultivates cotton using traditional methods. He stated that the lack of rain has stunted plant growth, and the expected yield this year is merely 2 to 3 quintals per acre. He added that the condition of HDPS (High-Density Planting System) crops is also poor, although they might yield slightly better results.
**Rising Cultivation Costs Due to Pest Attacks**
Pest infestations, alongside the drought, have further compounded the farmers' woes. Frequent pesticide spraying is required to save the crops, thereby driving up cultivation costs. Despite expenditures on fertilizers, labor, and pesticides, farmers find it difficult to see how they will recover their investments this year.
Dilip Patokar, a farmer from Ural village, mentioned that repeated spraying has escalated expenses, making it a struggle to manage daily household costs. Meanwhile, Shaligram Bhagat from Andura village reported that the lack of moisture and rising temperatures have caused leaves, flowers, and young cotton bolls to shed.
Farmers assert that no farming method can fully avert losses in the face of a prolonged dry spell and a lack of soil moisture. The current situation presents a severe challenge for cotton growers in Akola, characterized by low yields, rising costs, and declining income.
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