Cotton Cultivation. Cultivation of cotton

1. Origin:

Cotton is one of the oldest cultivated crops known to mankind. It is believed to have originated independently in both the Indian subcontinent and Central and South America. Historical records and archaeological findings suggest that cotton was used as early as 3000 BCE in the Indus Valley Civilization, where people wove cotton into fabrics. This ancient origin highlights its immense cultural, economic, and agricultural value in India and beyond. The four main cultivated species of cotton are: Gossypium arboreum and G. herbaceum (Old World cotton), and G. hirsutum and G. barbadense (New World cotton).

2. Geographical Distribution in India:

India ranks among the top cotton-producing countries globally. It is grown in three major zones:

• North Zone: Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan
• Central Zone: Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat
• South Zone: Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu

Maharashtra has the largest area under cotton cultivation, while Gujarat leads in productivity and production. The availability of Bt cotton and improved irrigation facilities have helped expand the cotton belt in recent decades.

3. Economic Importance:

Cotton holds immense significance in India’s agriculture and economy:

• It is the most important fiber crop and forms the backbone of the textile industry.
• Cotton contributes to around 25% of the total global fiber production.
• The crop supports over 60 million people through farming, ginning, spinning, textile manufacturing, and trading.
• Its by-products such as cottonseed are used in oil extraction and serve as a protein-rich feed for livestock.
• India earns a significant portion of foreign exchange from cotton and textile exports.

4. Soil and Climatic Requirements:

Soil: Cotton grows best in deep, well-drained black soils (Regur soils) which are rich in lime and have good water-holding capacity. It can also grow in alluvial and loamy soils with proper fertility. The ideal pH range is between 6.0 and 7.5.

Climate: Cotton requires a long frost-free growing season, with plenty of sunshine and moderate rainfall (600–1200 mm). It thrives in a temperature range of 21°C to 30°C. The crop is sensitive to both drought and waterlogging, making soil type and irrigation practices critical for success.

5. Land Preparation:

Field preparation begins with deep ploughing in summer to expose pests and weed seeds to the sun. This is followed by 2–3 harrowings to create a fine tilth. Land should be leveled and ridges or furrows formed depending on soil type and irrigation method. Proper drainage is essential to avoid root rot and waterlogging, especially in heavy soils.

6. Varieties Developed in India:

India has developed numerous varieties and hybrids suited to different agro-climatic regions:

• Desi cotton (G. arboreum): AKA 7, LD 327, PA 183
• American cotton (G. hirsutum): LRA 5166, MCU 5, Ankur 651, Surabhi
• Egyptian cotton (G. barbadense): Sujata, Suvin, DCH-32
• Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) cotton hybrids: Bollgard I & II, Bunny Bt, NCS 145, RCH 134

7. Seed Requirement:

• Desi varieties: 12–15 kg/ha
• Bt and hybrid cotton: 2–3 kg/ha for transplanting; 3–4 kg/ha for direct sowing
• Seed Treatment: Treat seeds with fungicide like Thiram or Carbendazim @ 2 g/kg seed. Bio-inoculants such as Azospirillum and PSB can be used to promote better germination and nutrient uptake.

8. Sowing Time:

Sowing time depends on the region and irrigation:

• North India: April to May
• Central India: June to July (monsoon onset)
• South India: July to August or January to February (irrigated areas)

Timely sowing is crucial for optimal yield and pest avoidance.

9. Cropping Systems:

Popular cropping systems include:

• Intercropping: Cotton + black gram, green gram, soybean, groundnut
• Sequential cropping: Cotton followed by wheat, chickpea, or sorghum

These systems enhance soil fertility, reduce pest incidence, and improve overall farm profitability.

10. Fertilizer Requirements:

Fertilizer doses vary based on region and variety:

• N: 75–150 kg/ha
• P₂O₅: 30–60 kg/ha
• K₂O: 30–60 kg/ha
• Apply 25% nitrogen and full dose of phosphorus and potash at sowing. The rest of nitrogen should be applied in two splits—30 and 60 DAS.
• In addition, apply micronutrients like Zinc sulphate (25 kg/ha) and Boron where deficiencies are observed.

11. Water Requirements:

Cotton is moderately drought tolerant but requires irrigation in dry periods. Around 6–8 irrigations may be needed depending on rainfall and soil:

• Critical stages: Flowering, square formation, boll development, boll bursting
• Methods: Drip irrigation is highly recommended for water-use efficiency. Avoid water stagnation at all costs as cotton roots are sensitive to oxygen deficiency.

12. Weed Management:

Weeds can compete with cotton for nutrients, water, and light:

• Manual weeding at 20 and 45 DAS is common.
• Pre-emergence: Pendimethalin @ 1 kg a.i./ha
• Post-emergence (in Bt cotton): Glyphosate @ 1.5 kg/ha or Quizalofop for grassy weeds
• Mulching can help suppress weeds and conserve soil moisture.

13. Diseases and Their Management:

• Bacterial blight: Use Copper Oxychloride @ 3 g/l. Avoid overuse of nitrogen.
• Wilt (Fusarium & Verticillium): Use resistant varieties; seed treatment with Trichoderma viride is effective.
• Anthracnose: Treat with Carbendazim @ 1 g/l. Maintain field hygiene.

Crop rotation and field sanitation help in long-term disease suppression.

14. Insect Pests and Their Management:

• Bollworms: Apply Spinosad, Emamectin benzoate, Indoxacarb. Install pheromone traps.
• Aphids, Jassids: Spray Imidacloprid @ 0.3 ml/l or Dimethoate @ 2 ml/l.
• Whitefly: Use neem oil sprays or Acetamiprid @ 20 g/ha.
• Mealy bugs: Spray Profenofos or Buprofezin. Remove infested plant parts.

Adopt Integrated Pest Management (IPM) including resistant varieties, biological control, and trap crops.

15. Harvesting and Threshing:

• Start harvesting when 60–70% of bolls are fully opened.
• Pick cotton in 3–5 rounds every 8–10 days to avoid quality deterioration.
• Dry cotton before storage to avoid fungal attack.
• Threshing is done using ginning machines to separate lint and seeds.

16. Yield:

Yield varies depending on variety, soil, and management:

• Rainfed cotton: 10–15 q/ha
• Irrigated cotton: 20–30 q/ha
• Bt cotton (high input): Up to 35–40 q/ha

17. Post-Harvest Operations:

• Dry harvested kapas under shade to preserve quality.
• Ginning separates lint from seed using saw or roller gins.
• Lint is graded, baled, and stored in ventilated godowns.
• Seeds are used for oil extraction, animal feed, or re-sowing.

Conclusion: Efficient cotton cultivation depends on timely sowing, optimal inputs, effective pest management, and good post-harvest practices. Adoption of improved varieties and sustainable farming practices ensures better profitability and fiber quality for cotton farmers.

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