Coimbatore Cotton Farmers Elevate Yields with Innovative Farming Initiatives

Cotton farmers in Coimbatore are celebrating a significant boost to their agricultural practices due to the pioneering efforts of the ICAR-CICR in collaboration with the National Food Security Mission (NFSM) - Special Project.

In a recent gathering, these farmers not only received valuable cotton seeds but also engaged in an interactive meeting that promises to revolutionize their farming techniques.

The seeds distributed are aimed at showcasing the advantages of the high-density planting system (HDPS), closer spacing, and the cultivation of extra-long staple (ELS) cotton. These innovative approaches are set to enhance cotton production substantially.

ICAR-CICR is currently spearheading two pilot projects- "Targeting Technologies to Agro-Ecological Zones – Large Scale Demonstrations of Best Practices to Enhance Cotton Productivity," funded by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, and "Awareness and Extension Services on Best Farm Practices for Cotton Farmers to Improve Quality, Yield, and Sustainability," sponsored by the Cotton Corporation of India.

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During the meeting, Prajakta L Verma, Joint Secretary (Fibre) from the Ministry of Textiles, offered insightful explanations about the unique features of the special project.

Lalit Kumar Gupta, Chairman-cum-Managing Director of the Cotton Corporation of India, emphasized India's potential to double cotton productivity when farmers adopt the best practices.

Y.G. Prasad, Director of ICAR-CICR, highlighted the collaborative nature of the special project, operating in a public-private partnership mode that brings all cotton stakeholders together. He said that a notable feature is the implementation of Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) as part of the project, streamlining benefits for the farmers.

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Reports also confirm that A.H. Prakash, Head of ICAR-CICR's regional station in Coimbatore, provided valuable insights into cotton varieties, hybrids, and the latest production and protection technologies developed by the research station. These initiatives hold the promise of a brighter future for cotton farming in the region, indicating higher productivity and sustainability.

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