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Cotton Farming Guide — कपास

India is the world's largest cotton producer. Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Telangana lead. Bt cotton hybrids dominate Indian cotton cultivation.

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Season

Kharif (April–May sowing, October–January picking)

Duration

150–180 days

Expected Yield

2–3 tonnes/hectare (seed cotton — kapas)

MSP / Market Price

₹7,121/quintal Long Staple, ₹6,620/quintal Medium Staple (2024–25)

Soil Type

Deep black cotton soil (regur) or red laterite, pH 6.0–8.0

Water Requirement

Moderate — 500–600mm; critical at squaring and boll formation stages

Sowing & Planting

April–May for rainfed; May–June for irrigated. Use Bt hybrid seeds (120 seeds/packet for 1 acre).

Fertilizer Management

80–100kg N, 40kg P, 40kg K per hectare. Split N: 1/3 basal, 1/3 at squaring, 1/3 at boll formation.

Common Pests & Diseases

  • Pink bollworm (now Bt-resistant in some areas)
  • Whitefly
  • Mealy bug
  • Sucking pests
KrishiAI Disease Alert: KrishiPulse sends real-time pest and disease outbreak alerts for your district. Enable alerts →

Harvesting

Hand-pick when bolls open fully (white, fluffy lint). 3–5 pickings per season.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Bt cotton still effective?
Bt cotton is effective against American bollworm but Pink Bollworm (PBW) has developed resistance in Gujarat/Maharashtra. Use Cry2Ab varieties and rotate with non-cotton. KrishiAI tracks PBW resistance alerts by district.
When should I sell cotton?
Prices typically peak in January–February after Kharif arrivals thin out. KrishiPulse price alerts help you time your auction for maximum returns.

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