Cotton Farming (Kapas ki Kheti) for Higher Yield and Double Profit

Cotton – Farmers’ White Gold

Cotton farming (Kapas ki Kheti) is one of the most significant cash crops in India. Popularly known as “White Gold”, cotton provides stable income and has immense commercial importance. Cotton is not only used in the textile industry but also in oil extraction from cottonseed and as animal feed.

India is the world’s second-largest producer of cotton, making it a backbone for millions of farmers. However, to maximize returns, farmers must focus on timely sowing, proper irrigation, the right seed selection, and integrated pest management. With scientific practices, cotton farming can yield higher productivity and double profits.

Best Time for Cotton Sowing

The best time for cotton sowing depends on the region and climate. In North India (Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh), the ideal sowing period is from late April to early June, as timely sowing ensures good plant growth and reduces pest infestation. In Central India (Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh), cotton should be sown in June–July with the onset of the monsoon rains, as sufficient moisture is essential for proper germination. However, late sowing in these areas often increases the risk of pink bollworm attack and reduces yield. In South India (Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu), cotton can be grown twice a year—during May–June with the monsoon and in September–October as a second crop using irrigation or residual moisture. The golden rule is to always sow cotton at the beginning of the monsoon, as early sowing leads to stronger plant growth, better boll setting, lower pest infestation, and ultimately higher yield and profit.

Seed Selection for Cotton Farming

1. Buy Only Certified Seeds

1. Purchase seeds from KVKs, agriculture universities, government centers, or licensed companies.
2. Avoid uncertified or local market seeds, as they may be fake and lead to poor yield.
3. Always check for government certification or ISI mark on packets.

2. Select Varieties According to Region

Different climates suit different varieties.

1. North India: Early maturing, medium-duration varieties.
2. Central India: Bt cotton and hybrid varieties perform well.
3. South India: Long-duration varieties are more successful.

 Farmers should always consult local agriculture experts or KVKs for region-specific recommendations.

 Hybrid vs Desi (Traditional) Varieties

Feature	Hybrid Varieties	Desi Varieties
Yield	15–20 quintals/hectare	8–10 quintals/hectare
Fiber Quality	Long, superior fiber	Medium fiber
Water Need	High	Low
Fertilizer Need	High	Low
Pest Resistance	Moderate	High
Market Price	Higher	Normal

 How to Check Seed Quality?

Before sowing cotton, it is very important to check the quality of seeds because good seeds are the foundation of a healthy crop and high yield. Farmers should first check the germination capacity, which should be at least 75–80%. A simple test can be done at home by keeping 100 seeds in a moist cloth for 5–7 days and then counting how many sprout; if more than 75 germinate, the seed lot is good. Along with germination, farmers must ensure purity, meaning seeds should be free from weed seeds, dust, or broken grains. The moisture level of seeds is also crucial good seeds should be dry, firm, and not too soft, because excess moisture reduces storage life and affects germination. By checking germination, purity, and moisture, farmers can ensure they are using the right quality seeds, which directly improves crop performance and yield.

 Importance of Seed Treatment

Seed treatment is one of the most important steps before sowing cotton. It acts as a protective shield for seeds and ensures that the crop starts healthy and strong. Treated seeds are less likely to be affected by soil-borne diseases, harmful fungi, and early pest attacks. This directly improves the germination rate, which means more seeds sprout into healthy plants.

Seed treatment also helps in uniform crop establishment, making the field look even and easier to manage. By protecting plants in their early growth stages, farmers can save money on pesticides later, as the crop becomes stronger and less vulnerable to disease. Moreover, treated seeds generally give better root development, stronger stems, and higher yield potential.

Common treatments include using fungicideslike Trichoderma or Carbendazim to prevent fungal diseases, and organic options like neem oil or Azadirachtin for eco-friendly protection. With seed treatment, farmers not only ensure better crop health but also reduce risks and increase the chances of earning higher profit from cotton farming (Kapas ki Kheti).

Irrigation Schedule in Cotton Farming

Irrigation plays a vital role in cotton farming (Kapas ki Kheti) because water shortage at the wrong time can cause flowers and bolls to drop, reducing yield. On average, cotton requires 6–7 irrigations during its crop cycle, but the exact number depends on rainfall, soil type, and region.

1. First Irrigation: Right after sowing, to provide enough moisture for seed germination.
2. Second Irrigation: 20–25 days after sowing, during the seedling stage to support early growth.
3. Third Irrigation: Around 40–45 days, before the flowering stage, to ensure strong plant development.
4. Critical Stage Irrigations: During flowering (45–70 days) and boll formation (90–120 days), continuous moisture is essential because the crop needs the most water at this stage.
5. Final Irrigation: Stop watering 15–20 days before harvesting so that bolls open properly and fiber quality improves.

For efficient water use, drip irrigation is highly recommended as it saves 30–40% water, reduces weed growth, and provides direct moisture to the roots. Sprinkler irrigation is also effective for large fields, while rainwater harvesting and field bunding help conserve natural water.

Pink Bollworm Management in Cotton

Pink bollworm can cause up to 30–40% yield loss in cotton. To manage it, farmers should use Bt cotton seeds with refuge crops, ensure timely sowing, and destroy leftover stalks and bolls after harvest. Installing pheromone traps and spraying neem-based biopesticides helps in eco-friendly control. In severe cases, use recommended chemicals like Emamectin Benzoate or Spinosad under expert advice. With these steps, farmers can protect their crop and improve yield.

Modern Techniques for Higher Yield

1. Mulching: Conserves moisture and suppresses weeds.
2. Crop Rotation: Grow pulses (chickpea, moong, urad) after cotton to restore fertility.
3. Intercropping: Plant pigeon pea, groundnut, or sesame with cotton for additional income.
4. Precision Farming: Use drones and sensors for monitoring crop health and applying inputs accurately.

Final Thought

For success in cotton farming, farmers must ensure timely sowing, proper irrigation, andeffective pink bollworm management. By adopting certified seeds, Bt and hybrid varieties, drip irrigation, mulching, and integrated pest management, farmers can achieve higher yield anddouble profit from cotton farming (Kapas ki Kheti).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the best time to sow cotton?
June–July (monsoon onset) is the ideal sowing season.

2. How many irrigations are required in cotton farming?
On average, 6–7 irrigations, especially during flowering and boll formation.

3. How to protect cotton from pink bollworm?
Use Bt cotton, install pheromone traps, and apply neem-based sprays.

4. What is the average yield of cotton?
With improved practices, farmers can achieve 15–20 quintals per hectare.

5. How to get more profit from cotton farming?
By joining FPOs and selling directly to textile mills or exporters.