WORKSHOP AND FIELD DAY ON “CLOSER SPACING IN COTTON” AT KVK, WYRA ON 25.09.2024

Cotton is one of the most significant fiber and cash crop of India playing a dominant role in the agricultural and industrial economy of the country. The everchanging climatic conditions, shortage of labour, increased incidence of pests and diseases necessitated the need to develop new technologies that can help farmer to generate adequate income without incurring in loss. It is here that closer spacing in cotton helps the farmers to over these problems. Closer spacing in cotton can be used in medium deep, productive soils in areas with higher rainfall with advantages like earlier canopy closure, increased photosynthesis can occur and early maturity. Semi-compact genotypes are recommended with canopy management by applying PGR sprays or de-topping at 90 days is recommended. The spacing for medium deep soils 90 x 30 cm (3 x 1 feet) to give a plant population of 14400 per acre. Closer spacing can be taken up in medium deep, productive soils using semi-compact gentoypes in relatively assured/higher rainfall areas. Canopy management is done similar to that in HDPS where mepiquat chloride sprays are applied at 45, 65 and need based spray at 85-90 days. Also, canopy management can also be done manually by removing monopodial branches at 40-45 days after sowing and de-topping at about 90 days after sowing. In view of this, KVK, Wyra has organised workshop and field day on “Closer spacing in Cotton” in its field on 25.09.2024 for creating awareness and popularizing this farmer friendly technology. The farmers were clearly sensitized on the advantages of this fast-growing technology. The meeting was participated by Dr. R. Uma Reddy, Associated Director of Research, RARS, Warangal Dr. J. Hemantha Kumar, Associate Dean, Agricultural College, Aswaraopeta, Dr. K. Rukmini Devi, Principal Scientist (Pulses), ARS, Madhira, Dr. G. Veeranna, Principal Scientist (Cotton) and Dr. U. Nagabhushanam, Principal Scientist (Agronomy) from RARS, Warangal, Dr. K. Ravi Kumar Programme Coordinator (FAC), scientists Dr. Jessie Suneetha W, Dr. V. Chaitanya and Mrs. PSM. Phanisri, Young professionals of Special project on cotton with IV BSc (Agriculture) RAWEP students, DAESI students, Malyal, farmers and farm women. The queries concerning the technology were cleared by Associated Director of Research, Associate Dean, Programme Coordinator and scientists.