Expert Guide: Smart Cotton Farming Tips for Higher Yield

Cotton Cultivation: Key Tips from Expert for Better Yield in New Season

With the current cotton arrival nearing its end, farmers have begun preparations for the upcoming sowing season. After facing significant losses this year due to adverse conditions, growers are now focusing on improved practices. Cotton expert Sushil Kumar Gupta shares important guidelines for successful cultivation:

Sowing Time & Climate

• Cotton sowing usually begins in May. However, in areas with limited irrigation, sowing should be done after the onset of monsoon.

• Ideal temperature for germination: 32–34°C

• Ideal temperature for crop growth: 21–27°C

• Suitable daytime temperature: 25–30°C, with relatively cooler nights

• Minimum rainfall requirement: 50 cm, while rainfall above 125 cm can be harmful

Field Preparation

• Ensure the field is properly leveled for good water retention and drainage

• Apply 25–30 cartloads of well-decomposed cow dung per hectare about 3–4 weeks before sowing

Seed Sowing & Spacing

• Bt cotton: 108 cm (row-to-row) × 60 cm (plant-to-plant) or 67.5 × 90 cm

• American varieties: 60 cm × 45 cm

• Desi varieties: 45 cm × 30 cm

• Maintain plant population by filling gaps using nursery-grown plants (polythene bags)

• In saline soils, sow seeds on raised bunds

Fertilizer Management

• Bt/American varieties: 75 kg Nitrogen + 35 kg Phosphorus per hectare

• Desi varieties: 50 kg Nitrogen + 25 kg Phosphorus per hectare

• Apply full phosphorus and potash and half nitrogen before sowing

• Apply remaining nitrogen during flower bud formation

• Potash should be applied based on soil testing

Seed Rate & Depth

• Bt and hybrid varieties: 4 kg certified seed per hectare

• Desi varieties: 12–16 kg per hectare

• Sowing depth: 4–5 cm

Crop Management & Harvesting

• Begin first picking when 50–60% bolls open

• Second picking when remaining bolls mature

• Proper picking improves quality and yield

Intercropping Benefits

• Grow crops like moong, urad, groundnut, or soybean between cotton rows

• Helps in reducing weeds and pest incidence

• Provides additional income to farmers

Overall, adopting scientific practices and proper crop management can help farmers improve yield and profitability in the coming cotton season.

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