Cotton Farming in India – Complete Guide for Farmers

India is one of the leading countries in cotton production. Cotton is called “White Gold” because it is the primary raw material of the textile industry. For farmers, cotton cultivation is considered a profitable crop, but its success depends on the right soil, temperature, irrigation, and fertilizer management.

In this blog, we will understand in detail – When cotton farming is done, where it is done, what type of soil and temperature are required, and how to get more profit.

1. Field Preparation (What type of soil is required?)

1.1 Selection of Land

Black soil (Regur soil) is the most suitable for cotton farming because it has high moisture retention capacity. Apart from this, loamy soil and fertile soil with proper drainage are also good.

1.2 Soil Testing

Before starting cultivation, soil testing is essential. This helps us know whether the soil lacks nitrogen, phosphorus, potash, or micronutrients. Based on the test, the right fertilizer recommendations are given.

1.3 Deep Ploughing

At least two deep ploughings should be done in summer. This allows air circulation in the soil and destroys insect eggs and weeds.

1.4 Levelling

After ploughing, levelling of the field is necessary. It ensures even water distribution and makes irrigation and drainage easy. Uneven fields may cause water stagnation, damaging cotton roots.

1.5 Use of Organic Manure

To maintain soil fertility, use cow dung manure, compost, or vermicompost. Organic fertilizers improve soil structure and help in plant growth.

1.6 Moisture Management

Adequate soil moisture is necessary for seed germination and early plant growth. During ploughing and levelling, it must be ensured that moisture remains in the soil.

1.7 Bed and Channel Preparation

Prepare proper beds and channels in the field. This helps control water flow and prevents crop damage due to excess water. The ridge-furrow method is best for water management.

2. Seed Treatment and Selection

2.1 Selection of Improved Variety

The first and most important step is selecting the right seeds. Nowadays, BT Cotton and Hybrid Cotton varieties are popular because they have higher disease and pest resistance and provide better yield. Farmers should select varieties recommended by local climate, soil, and agricultural universities.

2.2 Selection of Disease-Free Seeds

Seeds must be completely healthy and disease-free. Weak or infected seeds fail to germinate and directly affect production. Farmers should buy seeds only from recognized companies or certified sources.

2.3 Seed Treatment

Before sowing, seed treatment is necessary. Fungicides such as Thiram, Carbendazim, or Mancozeb can be used. Seed treatment reduces fungal disease risk and improves germination rate.

2.4 Organic Treatment

Farmers may also go for organic treatment using Trichoderma, Pseudomonas, or neem-based solutions. This increases plant resistance and reduces dependency on chemical pesticides.

2.5 Pre-Storage Inspection

Before storage, seeds must be dried completely. Moist seeds spoil quickly. After drying in sunlight, they should be stored in ventilated bags or drums. Storage areas must be dry and moisture-free for seeds to remain usable for the next season.

3. Planting: Right Time and Method

3.1 Right Season for Sowing

Cotton is a Kharif crop and is generally sown between June to July, after the first monsoon rains. In some areas, sowing starts in the last week of May, but sufficient soil moisture is necessary. Late sowing results in weaker crops and reduced yield.

3.2 Seed Quantity

For one acre, 1.5 to 2 kg seeds are enough. For bigger-seeded varieties, the quantity may be slightly increased. Ensure the germination capacity of seeds is above 70–80%.

3.3 Depth of Sowing

Cotton seeds should be sown at a depth of 3–4 cm. If sown too deep, germination is delayed, and plants become weak.

3.4 Plant Spacing

For proper growth, spacing is crucial. Row-to-row distance should be 60–90 cm, and plant-to-plant distance should be 30–45 cm. This ensures plants get enough sunlight, air, and nutrients.

3.5 Ridge-Furrow or Bed Method

The ridge-furrow method is best for cotton sowing. It prevents waterlogging during rains and is also more effective when drip or sprinkler irrigation systems are used.

4. Irrigation: Frequency and Method

4.1 First Irrigation

The first irrigation must be done after sowing to help seed germination. If there is no rainfall, irrigate within 7–10 days after sowing.

4.2 Irrigation Interval

Generally, irrigate every 10–15 days, depending on soil type and weather. Heavy soils require less frequent irrigation, while light soils need more.

4.3 Seasonal Adjustment

No extra irrigation is needed during rains, but in dry or hot conditions, irrigation frequency should be increased to maintain soil moisture.

4.4 Drip or Sprinkler Method

Drip irrigation is best as it saves water and delivers nutrients directly to roots. Sprinkler irrigation is also effective but costlier.

4.5 Loss from Over/Under Irrigation

• Excess irrigation → root rotting & yellowing of crops.
• Low irrigation → drying plants, flower shedding, reduced yield.
  Balanced irrigation is the key to good yield.

5. Fertilizer Management

5.1 Basal Dose

At sowing time, apply 10–12 tons of decomposed cow dung manure per hectare along with nitrogen, phosphorus, and potash (NPK) to provide balanced nutrition from the start.

5.2 Ratio of NPK

Generally, 80:40:40 kg NPK per hectare is recommended. Half nitrogen should be given at sowing, and the remaining as top-dressing after 30–40 days. Phosphorus and potash should be applied fully at sowing.

5.3 Organic Manure

Use of organic manures like vermicompost, green manure, and neem cake improves soil structure, increases beneficial microbes, and protects crops from diseases.

5.4 Stage-Wise Nutrition

• Germination stage → light nitrogen.
• Growth stage → more nitrogen & potash.
• Flowering & boll formation stage → balanced NPK.

5.5 Micronutrient Supply

Micronutrients like zinc, iron, boron, and magnesium are essential. Their deficiency causes yellowing leaves and poor boll development. Spray them every 25–30 days.

6. Pest and Disease Control

6.1 Common Pests

• Pink Bollworm → damages bolls from inside.
• Stem Borer → damages plant stems.
• Whitefly → sucks plant sap & spreads viruses.
• Aphids & Thrips → cause curling and blackening of leaves.

6.2 Organic Pest Control

• Spray 5% neem oil.
• Mix neem cake in soil.
• Use biological pesticides like Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis).
• Use Trichogramma parasitoid insects.

6.3 Chemical Control

• For pink bollworm → Spinosad / Indoxacarb.
• For whitefly → Imidacloprid / Thiamethoxam.
• For aphids & thrips → Dimethoate / Acetamiprid.
  Always use pesticides in recommended doses only.

6.4 Disease Prevention

• Use resistant varieties.
• Treat seeds with fungicides.
• Spray fungicides like Carbendazim / Mancozeb.
• Avoid excess moisture to prevent root rot.

6.5 Crop Monitoring

• Inspect fields regularly.
• Control pests at the first sign.
• Follow Integrated Pest Management (IPM).

7. Weed Control

7.1 Early Control

About 20–25 days after sowing cotton, weeds start growing rapidly. If not controlled at this stage, they absorb moisture and nutrients from the crop. Therefore, it is necessary to remove them in the early stage through weeding and hoeing.

7.2 Hand Weeding

Farmers can easily remove small weeds manually by hand weeding. This method is eco-friendly and cost-effective, but in large fields, it can be time-consuming.

7.3 Hoe Weeding

Hoe weeding helps strengthen the roots of cotton plants and keeps the soil loose. It also helps retain soil moisture and effectively destroys weeds.

7.4 Use of Weedicides

If the field is large and manual or hoe weeding is not possible, recommended weedicides (herbicides) can be used. While applying them, care must be taken to ensure that the chemicals affect only the weeds and do not harm the cotton plants.

7.5 Timely Control

The best way to control weeds is to do it on time. Weeding and hoeing must be done around 30–40 days and again 60–70 days after sowing. This ensures proper nutrition for the cotton crop and increases yield.

8. Harvesting and Storage of Cotton

Harvesting and storage are very important stages in cotton farming. If not done at the right time and in the right way, both yield and quality can be negatively affected. Below are the key points of this process:

8.1 Right Time for Harvesting Cotton

• Harvest when cotton bolls are fully opened, and fibers start coming out.
• The entire crop does not mature at once, so picking must be done 3–4 times.
• Picking should only be done after the morning dew has dried to avoid wet cotton.

8.2 Method of Picking Cotton

• Always pick cotton by hand to keep it clean and pure.
• Do not pick green, half-matured, or wet cotton.
• Workers should wear clean clothes while picking to prevent contamination.

8.3 Precautions During Picking

• Ensure no plastic, threads, leaves, twigs, or soil mix with cotton.
• Different varieties of cotton should be picked and stored separately.
• After harvesting, do not leave cotton in direct sunlight; dry it under light shade.

8.4 Primary Storage of Cotton

• Store cotton in a clean, dry, and well-ventilated place.
• The storage area must be completely free from moisture.
• Use cloth, gunny, or jute bags for storing cotton; avoid plastic bags.

8.5 Care Before Ginning

• Cotton should be properly dried before sending it for ginning (the process of separating seeds).
• Moist cotton produces more dust and reduces quality.

8.6 Separate Storage of Seed Cotton

• If seeds are to be used for sowing, dry them to 8–10% moisture before storing.
• Do not store seeds in sealed tins or plastic boxes; use jute bags or wooden boxes instead.

8.7 Protection from Pests and Diseases

• The storage place should be regularly cleaned with pest-control chemicals.
• Neem leaves or other organic treatments can also be used if necessary.

8.8 Transportation and Marketing

• Always cover cotton during transportation to protect it from rain, dust, or dirt.
• Grade the cotton properly before selling it in the market.

9. Profit and Cost in Cotton Farming

S. No.	Topic	Description
1	Cost per Acre	On average, cotton farming on one acre costs between ₹20,000 to ₹25,000. This includes expenses on seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, labor, and irrigation.
2	Production per Acre	Generally, one acre of land produces 8 to 12 quintals of cotton. The yield depends on the seed variety, soil quality, fertilizer management, and irrigation.
3	Market Price	The average market price of cotton ranges from ₹6,000 to ₹8,000 per quintal. High-quality cotton gets a better price in the market.
4	Net Profit	A farmer can earn up to ₹40,000 net profit from one acre of cotton farming. If the yield is higher and costs are well managed, the profit can increase further.
5	Ways to Increase Profit	– Selection of advanced and disease-resistant seeds – Balanced fertilizer and irrigation management – Special focus on pest and disease control – Use of modern techniques like drip irrigation – Selling directly to textile mills or agricultural producer companies instead of local markets

10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Cotton Farming

Question 1: Where is cotton farming done?
Answer: In India, cotton farming is mainly done in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, Rajasthan, Punjab, and Haryana.

Question 2: Where exactly is cotton farming practiced?
Answer: Cotton farming is practiced in regions with a hot climate and black soil, such as Gujarat and Maharashtra.

Question 3: What is required for cotton farming?
Answer: Suitable temperature, black or loamy soil, balanced irrigation, proper fertilizer management, and disease-free seeds are essential for cotton farming.

Question 4: What is the suitable temperature for cotton farming?
Answer: The most suitable temperature for good growth of cotton is between 21°C to 30°C.

Question 5: Which soil is best for cotton farming?
Answer: Black soil (Regur soil) is considered the best for cotton farming. In addition, loamy soil is also useful.

Question 6: When is cotton farming done?
Answer: Cotton sowing is done in the Kharif season (June–July), and harvesting takes place from November to January.

Question 7: In which soil is cotton mainly cultivated?
Answer: Cotton is mainly cultivated in black soil because it retains moisture and nutrients for a longer period.

Question 8: Is the government preparing a roadmap to promote cotton farming?
Answer: Yes, the Government of India is preparing a roadmap to increase cotton production based on modern technology, improved seeds, and farmer training.

Question 9: Where is cotton farming done the most in India?
Answer: Cotton farming is most widely done in Maharashtra and Gujarat.

Question 10: Which state produces the maximum cotton in India?
Answer: The highest cotton production is in Gujarat, followed by Maharashtra.

Conclusion

Cotton farming is a profitable crop for farmers. If the right soil, improved seeds, proper fertilizer management, and irrigation techniques are adopted, farmers can earn good income.

Useful Internal Links

👉 Benefits of Organic Farming – Subsistence Farming
👉 Weed Management Techniques – Subsistence Farming
👉 Methods to Improve Soil Fertility – Subsistence Farming

Important External Links

👉 Kisan Portal – Government of India
👉 Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare