Karnataka farmers see 50% yield boost with high-density cotton farming

Farmers in drought-prone districts of Raichur, Yadgir, and Dharwad are experiencing significant gains after adopting the high-density cotton cropping system introduced by the Indian Council for Agricultural Research (ICAR) and the Central Institute for Cotton Research (CICR). Since 2023, a pilot study has shown that this system, particularly beneficial for dry land with medium fertility, has boosted yields by nearly 50 per cent. In Raichur district alone, 160 farmers cultivating cotton across 450 acres have seen remarkable results.

The system involves reducing the spacing between rows and plants, from 3.5 feet to 2.9 feet, allowing farmers to grow up to 15,000 cotton plants per acre. This not only enhances nutrient absorption but also results in higher boll production, 30 to 40 bolls per plant, compared to traditional methods. Additionally, the system reduces weed growth and labor costs by up to 90 per cent.

A farmer in Raichur, has expanded his cotton acreage from 4 to 20 acres after experiencing a 50 per cent increase in revenue. The high-density system, initially tested in Brazil, is now proving highly profitable in Karnataka's arid regions. ICAR and CICR plan to extend the pilot project to encourage wider adoption.