KVK, Palem in collaboration with RARS Palem conducted Diagnostic field visit to cotton fields at Velgonda village on 05.11.2024

In collaboration with RARS Palem scientists and department officials, the KVK, Palem carried out a diagnostic field tour in the cotton fields of Velgonda village on 05.11.2024. A complaint was raised by the farmers regarding mixtures in the seed and poor yields and majority of the farmers in the village has opted for TADAKA hybrid (Kohinoor seeds Ltd.). The team has visited eight cotton fields. The team's critical observations are as follows: The crop is at picking stage, most importantly 35-50% of off types were noticed in TADAKA hybrid. The off types are found to be unproductive with huge growth, which grew to a height of 7-8 feet and had 20-30 under developed squares/bolls with sturdy stems and looked like wild types, the yield was drastically reduced by 4-5 q/acre. Although these off types were noticed at the actual flowering to boll production stage, it took longer to contact the authorities. The farmers in the village generally cultivated the same TADAKA hybrid in the previous years as well. However, in the current year as a routine farmer have procured seed from the regular local input dealers. In addition to it, the seed firms have provided in 4 different lots/batches. The crew was able to differentiate the difference in the hybrid TADAKA's performance from two distinct lots. The same TADAKA hybrid is good in a few other fields, with 14–16 bolls/plt and uniform boll bursting without any off types. The seed firm officials have made their visit acknowledged the issues in the field. Sucking pests, leafhoppers damage was noticed since the crop is at closure stage which is not considered as a concern. Following are the farmers concerns: The farmers in Velgonda village used to cultivate the same TADAKA hybrid and achieved 15-20 q/acre in prior years. Farmers are extremely dissatisfied, nearly 750–800 acres of fields yielded very low yields and had 35–50% off types. The team has interacted with the farmers and made note of all the observations. In this visit Dr. T. Prabhakar Reddy, Programme coordinator, Dr. O. Shaila, SMS (Plant protection), KVK, Palem, Dr. K. Sridhar, Scientist (CP), RARS, Palem, Smt. Neeti, AO, Mr. Vishnu, AEO and 82 farmers a Total of 87 members were participated.