• Know about the scientific approach to cotton cultivation in Marathwada. It includes recommended cultivation practices and crop management techniques. A case study shows these practices led to higher productivity and profitability.

Cotton is the backbone of agriculture in the Marathwada region, playing a crucial role in the livelihood of thousands of farmers. In recent years, significant efforts were made to improve cotton productivity through advanced agronomic practices, scientific crop management, and farmer-centric extension systems.

A structured cultivation approach focusing on plant spacing, canopy management, and balanced nutrition has shown promising results in increasing cotton yield substantially i.e. up to 14-16 quintals per acre.

Scientific Approach to Cotton Cultivation

The improved cultivation method emphasizes maintaining proper plant geometry, timely pruning, and efficient nutrient management. Instead of allowing unrestricted vegetative growth, the technique focuses on regulating plant architecture to divert energy toward boll development. Key practices include:

a. Maintaining optimal plant spacing

b. Identifying and removing unnecessary vegetative branches

c. Topping plants at the right growth stage

d. Applying fertilizers in a balanced and need-based manner.

These practices ensure better sunlight penetration, improved aeration, and efficient utilization of nutrients, ultimately leading to increased boll size and weight.

Understanding Plant Structure

Cotton plants typically develop two types of branches:

1. Vegetative Branches  (Monopodia): These branches emerge early, usually within 40–45 days of sowing, and grow vigorously. They consume a significant portion of nutrients but contribute less to yield. They have thicker stems and upward growth.

2. Fruiting Branches  (Sympodia): These branches grow horizontally and bear the cotton bolls. A healthy plant can develop 12 to 15 such branches which decide the yield.

Efficient crop management involves removing excess vegetative branches so that nutrients are directed toward fruiting branches.

Recommended Cultivation Practices

1. Soil Selection

Cotton is a long-duration crop (6–8 months), making soil selection critical. Medium to deep black soils with good drainage are ideal for optimum growth.

2. Sowing Time

Early sowing during the second or third week of June, immediately after adequate rainfall, ensures better crop establishment and growth.

3. Plant Spacing

A spacing of 90 × 30 cm is recommended. This allows accommodation of approximately 14,500 plants per acre, increasing plant population and  productivity.

Distance between two plants 30cm 

4. Variety Selection

High-quality seeds with good germination capacity, large boll size, pest and disease resistance, and high yield potential should be selected.

Crop Management Techniques

1. Removal of Vegetative Branches

Around 40–45 days after sowing, excess vegetative branches should be pruned using appropriate tools. This prevents unnecessary nutrient consumption and promotes reproductive growth.

2. Topping of Plants

At around 90 days or when the plant reaches waist height, the top portion of the plant should be removed. This practice controls plant height and encourages lateral growth, leading to better boll formation.

Farmers are happily embracing this technology as it delivers higher yields and better returns.

Implementation at the Local Level

In regions like Nanded district, Krishi Vigyan Kendra is working closely with farmers to promote these techniques. Few cotton crop growing villages from different blocks were selected for field-level implementation. Continuous monitoring and expert supervision ensure that farmers receive timely advice throughout the crop cycle.

Objectives and Long-Term Impact

The primary goal of adopting these improved practices is to:

a. Increase cotton productivity per unit area

b. Enhance farmers’ income and livelihood security

c. Promote efficient use of fertilizers and protect soil health

d. Reduce dependency on cotton imports by boosting domestic production

e. Strengthen the agricultural economy of cotton-growing regions.

With consistent adoption of these scientific methods, farmers can achieve sustainable yields while preserving soil fertility for future generations.

Case Study

Aim - Improving Cotton Productivity through Scientific Cultivation Practices

Farmer Profile: Shri Anand Mundkar, a 30-year-old progressive farmer from Takali village, Nanded district, Maharashtra. Mb. 776735291

With guidance from Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Sagroli, Anand adopted an improved cotton cultivation method during the Kharif 2025–26 season on 3 acres of land. The approach focused on closer plant spacing, canopy management, and balanced nutrient use.  

The farmer adopted closer spacing, removed excess vegetative branches at 45 days, and performed detopping at 90 days, along with balanced nutrient management. This resulted in a yield of 11 quintals per acre compared to 8 quintals traditionally, marking a 30% increase. The crop showed uniform growth, better boll development, and good-quality produce harvested in 2–3 pickings. Crop residues were managed efficiently. In the summer, groundnut was cultivated as a second crop thereby increasing overall income. 

This demonstrates that scientific practices can significantly improve cotton productivity and profitability.

Table1: Comparative economics of cotton cultivation between CS & conventional planting  (sample size of 25 farmers)

Farmer pic by Anand Mundkar.    

Author  Mr. Prabhudas Udtewar holds an M.Sc. in Agricultural Entomology and has actively contributed to the field through research and extension activities. He is a recipient of two awards and has published three research papers. He has also delivered two radio talks and participated in various national conferences.

Currently, he is working as a Young Professional  II at Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Sagroli, where he is involved in cotton-based field and research activities and farmer advisory services.