Cotton in northern Maharashtra faces 'Laliya' crisis, farmers worried about potential production declines
Jalgaon: The difficulties of cotton farmers in northern Maharashtra are increasing this year. Due to delayed rains and subsequent heavy downpours, the cotton acreage in the state has fallen by approximately 4.5 lakh hectares below average. In Jalgaon district, cotton acreage has also declined by approximately 1.5 lakh hectares. Heavy rains in late July affected approximately 35,000 hectares of cotton. Now, the lack of rain on the remaining crop and the increasing incidence of pests and diseases have increased farmers' concerns.
Currently, the cotton crop is in the leaf-emergence and pod-formation stages. Due to water shortages and weather fluctuations, there is a possibility of increased leaf spot, sudden wilting, and the incidence of dahlia, karpa, and sap-sucking insects. If adverse weather conditions persist, this could impact cotton production.
"Redness" is not a disease, but a disorder
According to agricultural experts, "redness" in cotton is not a disease, but a physiological disorder. In this condition, the edges of the leaves or the entire leaf turn red, purple, or dark red. The leaves begin to shrink, and plant growth is affected.
According to experts, sudden water availability after a prolonged period of water scarcity, temperature changes, an infestation of sap-sucking insects, and a lack of nutrients like nitrogen and magnesium in the soil can aggravate this problem.
The Cotton Research Center in Jalgaon advises farmers to adopt balanced nutrition and proper water management. Instead of immediately spraying fungicides upon the appearance of redness, it is important to first assess the soil moisture, roots, nutrients, and pest conditions. Timely and appropriate management can minimize crop damage.
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